CAFTA/DR Trade Agreement Nearing Full Implementation in 2020

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the first stage of the new trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan. This agreement levels the playing field in terms of market access for certain agriculture and industrial goods, as well as on digital trade. In the next two weeks, the two countries will work out more details. The first stage of the agreement is expected to be finalized by January 2020.
U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Fact Sheet
If agriculture is not included, the United States and European Union will not be able to reach a trade agreement. USDA Undersecretary Ted McKinney made that point during his visit to Brussels. Europe wants a trade deal with the United States, but is refusing to discuss increased market access for U.S. farm products.
Dry bean emergence in North Dakota is at 93 percent, nearly 95 last year and equal to the five-year average. The crop is rated at 78 percent good to excellent and zero percent poor to very poor. In Minnesota, nearly all the dry beans are planted. Emergence is at 88 percent, behind 97 percent last year and 96 percent average.
Fifty-three percent of the crop in Idaho is rated good to excellent, with 89 percent emerged. In Oregon, 80 percent is rated good to excellent and 71 percent is emerged. Seventy-eight percent of dry beans in Washington are in good to excellent condition, with 96 percent emergence.
USDA is reporting 79 percent of Montana dry beans and chickpeas are emerging, on track with last year’s average. The Wyoming dry bean is 60 percent emerged, behind 81 percent in 2018. Planting is at 54 percent in Colorado and 20 percent emergence. The Michigan dry bean crop is 31 percent planted, compared to 17 percent the week prior.
Stay up to date on the latest Crop Progress reports here.
On Wednesday, the Mexico Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement by a vote of 114 to 4. Mexico is the first of three countries to ratify the trade deal. Now, all eyes are on Canada and the U.S. to approve the agreement. An implementation bill has been introduced in the Canadian Parliament. Earlier this week, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Democratic concerns with labor and environmental provisions in the USMCA can “be sorted out quickly.”
NHBGA, growers representing growers through the check-off system, is North America’s largest supplier of quality dry beans. Working together to better the industry through promotion, research, market development, education of consumers and monitoring of governmental policy. Our future goals must be continued market exposure and careful monitoring of new ideas, consumer choices, and producer needs.
4844 Rocking Horse Circle S, Suite 2 Fargo, ND 58104