During a visit to North Dakota, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the Trump administration’s aggressive trade strategy and its implications for American farmers. Rollins criticized longstanding international trade imbalances. “I had no idea that Japan was charging a 700 percent tariff on our rice. I didn’t realize that Canada, after reaching a very small quota in dairy products, was then implementing a 200 to 300 percent tariff on our dairy farmers.” Rollins also pointed to progress being made through ongoing trade negotiations. “I think we’re in ongoing constant negotiations with over 70 countries right now, we feel very confident about that. I believe the first deals will begin to be announced next week.” She added that the USDA is preparing support programs in case of longer-term trade repercussions, similar to those seen in 2019.
