Trade

The question becomes whether threats of tariffs include barring used cooking oil imports outright or merely tariffing the product, especially from China.

Brazil’s amendments to its domestic policies and increasing biodiesel mandates are likely to reduce the availability of used cooking oil for export, potentially reshaping its role in the global biofuel market.

Ambassador Terry Branstad was the first U.S. state governor to host Xi Jinping in 1985, so he carries the unique distinction of being called an “old friend” by the Chinese leader as well as a friend to President Donald Trump.

Trump taps Howard Lutnick for Commerce Secretary, signaling tariff-heavy trade strategy. Lutnick has called the tariffs a negotiating tool that could be used to convince other countries to bring down their own levies or to force companies to move production to the U.S.

The emphasis on domestic agriculture reflects a broader trend in Mexican policy that could challenge existing trade agreements and alter the dynamics of agricultural exports between the two countries.

Threats of widespread tariffs and concerns about retaliation continue to stoke uneasiness in agriculture. With a growing trade deficit and hopes the U.S. could re-embark on the Phase One trade deal with China, could the focus back on trade be positive for agriculture?

Mexico is self-sufficient in white corn, used to make the country’s staple tortilla, but imports genetically-modified yellow corn from the United States which is used largely to feed livestock.

Tariffs, while disruptive, are often used as leverage in trade disputes and contribute to market volatility.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for Canada to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. unless Mexico aligns with North American partners on tariffs for Chinese imports.

Financial Times reports say President-elect Donald Trump has asked Robert Lightizer to return as U.S. trade representative.