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Naig optimistic about future of U.S. ag trade

(Photo by Brent Barnett/Brownfield)

Iowa’s ag secretary says he’s optimistic trade tensions could be easing.

Mike Naig says some farmers and ranchers have been concerned about the use of tariffs as a negotiation tool.

“I’m willing to give the (Trump) administration an opportunity to get to a better place,” he said. “I think there’s very encouraging signs with the agreement in principle with the UK and now real negotiations happening with China.”

The U.S. and China have been holding trade negotiations in London this week. Naig says a potential trading framework with China would be beneficial.

“We’re second in the nation in terms of the value of our food and ag exports,” Naig said. “Trade matters to us. Trade that is expanding and operating smoothly benefits us. Trade that is contracting and disrupted can be very problematic.”

Naig says he’s hopeful the U.S. can gain greater access in markets like India.