Statement by Mark McHargue, President, regarding President Trump’s recent trade actions
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With the economic futures of Nebraska’s farm and ranch families at stake, it is imperative increased market access and barrier elimination be our ultimate goal in the months ahead. Unfortunately, after four years of complete inaction, we have seen the U.S. agricultural trade deficit reach historic levels as other countries continued to expand trade while we sat still. President Trump and USDA Secretary Rollins have repeatedly promised to level the playing-field and expand markets for farmers and ranchers when it comes to international trade, and we hold them to that promise. However, we fear yesterday’s announced plan to increase tariffs threatens the economic future of farm and ranch families who have lost money on most major crops for the past three years.