06.18.18

Hoeven Statement on Trade

Last Week, Senator Outlined Importance of Trade for North Dakota Agriculture in Meeting with President

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven released the following statement today regarding trade:

“In a meeting with the President last week, I outlined the importance of ensuring that valuable export markets remain open and American products do not face a competitive disadvantage due to retaliatory tariffs, such as those announced today by China” said Hoeven. 

“The president described in some detail his trade agenda, as well as progress on negotiations to secure better, more fair trade deals for our nation. I will continue to work to ensure that we get the best deals possible for our farmers, ranchers and other industries. Our producers need positive results soon.”

The senator met with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other top officials last week for extensive conversations on trade, including section 232 trade authority, and the need to secure the best possible trade deals for the nation. At the meeting, Hoeven advocated for the nation’s agriculture producers and said that improvements to trade agreements should ensure that our nation’s farmers and ranchers are able to sell as much or more than they are currently selling. The meeting was also attended by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow.

Hoeven continues to work to advance free and fair trade and has repeatedly pressed the administration, including the president, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, to help keep markets open for North Dakota’s exporters, including farmers and ranchers, and prevent retaliatory tariffs.

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