For the first time in its history, China has agreed to accept the import of rice from the United States; an event that analysts say indicates the two most powerful countries in the world appear to be working on negotiating a better relationship for future trade talks.
These much-anticipated trade talks are an effort by the countries to resolve the ongoing decades-long trade disputes between themselves and are scheduled to start this month, with a March 1 date set by the Trump administration as the deadline. After this deadline expires, there will be tariff hikes from 10 percent to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. China has set their deadline to reinstate tariffs as March 31, giving the U.S. a few more weeks to negotiate.
After years of failed negotiations on the matter, China’s commerce ministry promised future trade negotiations instead of the typical tense meetings and back-and-forth tariffs threats they are known for. The U.S. and China’s peace gesture comes just in time for the broader trade talks they have planned. In fact, the custom’s authority in Beijing’s website indicates that President Trump and President Xi Jinping have already agreed to higher tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of trade.
China began its entry into the agricultural market when it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Before the recent new trade negotiations with the U.S. China imported rice from other Asian countries, but banned imports from the U.S. In an announcement showing progress in these decades-long trade agreements, as of December 27, 2018, China is currently accepting imports of the following rice from the U.S.: brown, polished rice, and crushed. These imports are regulated by both countries, requiring that they pass the inspection standards set by China and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The amount of rice China intends to import was not made clear, however, rice currently accounts for only a small portion of agricultural exports in the U.S. Main exports include grain, soybeans, meat, and tree nuts. In fact, in December, the USDA forecast the U.S. rice production to be around 6.93 million tons, with Chinese rice imports estimated at 5 million tons.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see importers trying to move rice into China from California, but I don’t know if it will be in breathtaking quantities right away,” said Stuart Hoetger, an analyst and physical rice trader from California.
“The permission for U.S. rice suggests an improving U.S. and China relationship,” said Cherry Zhang, agriculture analyst consultant with JCI. She also indicated that she expected many of the imports to be ordered from state-owned companies.
Meanwhile, officials in political groups in Beijing indicate that the price the U.S. charges for rice is not competitive when compared with imports from South Asia, and that any action to formally allow the import of rice from the U.S. should be interpreted as a “goodwill gesture.”
~ Conservative Zone
If this article is true, then why is Sec’y Mnuchin pushing to lower tariffs on China just when we have the upper hand, destroying OUR PRESIDENT’s leverage?
When you realize the Treasury Secretary is a tribe member and the good of America has always been pushed aside for the good of the tribe.
Hi Donald; Trump is facing what the Lincoln’s democrats did. When he proposed laws to free the slaves and they herded like sheep and voted against the law. They supported the KKK. Many of their party leaders were leaders in the KKK. They led the killing of the blacks.
Stand firm Mr. President, China need us, far more than we need them. Our trade deficit has shrunk by almost what they allow to be imported. American middle class jobs are on the line. Fair trade for both, NOT FREE FOR JUST THEM
The Chinese are finally conceding that American rice is nice and Americans are responding that they like Chinese!
Having good relationship with other countries especially China is great!
Trade war will never solve any problem. Respect for one another and stand on guard for what is right for the country and the people of America will be
fruitful for the rest of the world..because Americans are generous in aiding
those that need us as long as they will not betray us…Good job Mr. President
and the admin. staff to make this happen.
This does not look to me to be a great/good deal to me. Looks to me the Chinese have fooled us…again!
Hi Harry; From what I read China has built empty cities and empty manufacturing plants on farm land. All in the expectation on surpassing the “the good new USA”. Trump overcame them.
SAM
WOW.. rice to China is like shipping ice to Alaska! Are our negotiators good, or what!?
Another victory for POTUS, and The United States. Donald J. Trump is proving day-by-day to be the most successfully dynamic action President our nation has seen, since the days of FDR & Truman. I have learned that you don’t have to like him, or be in full concert with his mannerisms and ways, to become appreciative for the results he achieves. And this, in only two years … THE WALL will be constructed, then the democrats will watch as the final chances for their return in 2020 will have slipped thru the cracks …
wish i had a spy mic in shitmers office..as well as all those other do nothing say everything slimeocraps..perhaps he’ll have a stroke !
Australia has been exporting rice to China for many years, and although Australian rice is available in most supermarkets, most of what is sent is on-shipped to North Korea, this is what will happen to your American rice.
Impeach peplosi
I would love to impeach Pelosi. She is crazy and losing her mind. She can barely get one sentence out without stuttering and stammering. She is really losing it. I think we could get many Congressmen to get behind this idea. and after a mental exam get it done. There are many other reasons to impeach her but that would be the best and fastest way.
Art of the Deal kids. Good job President Trump. Lets see if sick media reports it…..
There should be term limits on both congress and house and when gov workers get furloughed because the politicians refuse to work together and do their job they should be required to stay and get their work done without pay as well. Let them be on the receiving end of their petty child like behavior. Some have been in DC so long they feel as if the country belongs to them and no one else. So wake up America our senators and congress elected no longer wor for the voters but rather for themselves.
Can you imagine what the President could do ifCongress would work together and with him.