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Illinois ag director skeptical of long-term benefits in new U.S.–China trade deal

The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says he’s unsure about the long-term benefits of the newly announced trade framework between the U.S. and China.

“From my perspective, some of this is too little, too late.”

Jerry Costello tells Brownfield that China’s purchase commitment of 12 million metric tons in 2025 and then 25 mmt over the next three years is still below the country’s pre-2018 purchase levels.

“This is the equivalent to me of an arsonist setting your house on fire in the middle of the night, coming back in the morning, taking your garden hose and attempting to put out a fire that’s burnt down 75% of your house, and then wanting to be called a hero,” he says.

During a stop at an Indiana farm on Thursday, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said the agreement is about more than just purchases.

“This is a floor, by the way, so it could be more.”  She says, “Plus the removal of unwarranted retaliatory tariffs on a whole suite of our ag products. Again, a real win for our farmers.”

But, Costello says he has concerns about China’s follow-through.

“Right now, the United States Trade Representative Office is currently going after China for not living up to the 2020 trade deal and agreement.”  He says, “I’m very concerned about what they do or do not honor.”

Costello says that, at a time when farmers are facing ever-increasing input costs, they need reliable and stable export markets.

AUDIO: Jerry Costello – Director of Illinois Department of Agriculture