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Senate Finance Committee questions USTR Greer over ag exports, tariffs

Senate lawmakers questioned U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about agricultural exports on Wednesday.

During a hearing, Greer said President Trump’s trade agenda is working for farmers and ranchers.

“For starters, the United States currently has 19 framework or reciprocal trade deals covering 32% of global gross domestic product,” Greer said.

Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho told the ambassador that producers need expanded market access that reflects economic realities.

“American producers and service providers depend on the ability to compete fairly in global markets,” Crapo said. “Unfair and discriminatory barriers to U.S. exports must be removed.”

Ranking member Ron Wyden of Oregon said the administration has given farmers unfulfilled promises.

“What (Trump) did is he embarked on tariff spree that put the cost-of-living crisis on steroids in America,” Wyden said. “The Supreme Court eventually overturned the Trump global tariffs, but the higher costs are here to stay.”

Greer said President Trump has achieved new market access that protects producers from unfair trading practices.

“Goods and services exports have marked the highest monthly levels on record in American history from February through May of this year,” Greer said. “Everyone said trade would collapse. We’ve never exported as much as we are now.”

Greer also said the administration will continue to use tariffs to help shrink the trade deficit.