Gov. Kim Reynolds addressed recent actions on trade with China on Tuesday

 at a press conference at the State Capitol. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a half dozen members of the agriculture and manufacturing community.

“Iowa has benefited from our long-standing relationship with China by establishing new and expanded opportunities for our agriculture commodities and equipment,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Ties between Iowa farmers and China continue to grow. That’s why escalation of tariffs across the world is concerning, and the potential Chinese tariffs produce real issues.” 

“No one wins in a trade war,” Gov. Reynolds continued. “While some disruption may be necessary and part of the negotiation process, this can’t be done on the backs of our farmers. It’s important we find a reasonable agreement and make sure it’s targeted and done in a timely manner, which will help mitigate the risk of losing market share.”

Gov. Reynolds talked to U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad on Monday and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Tuesday. Both Dir. Mulvaney and Sec. Perdue assured the governor the USDA has the authority to mitigate market disruptions.

Round Table Discussion In Washington D.C.

Gov. Kim Reynolds met with President Donald Trump and other governors and congressional leaders on Thursday to discuss issues impacting the agricultural community, including trade.  

Afterward, the governor issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the president for a productive meeting on agriculture and trade. He understands that for our farmers to be successful, we need to grow - not contract - our markets.

“In addition to discussing trade with China, we emphasized the importance of finalizing NAFTA negotiations, expanding the use of E15 year-round and reconsidering the TPP.

“The president listened to our concerns, said that he is determined to resolve the dispute with China, said that he intends to expand E15 and ordered his top advisors to study the possibility of reentering the TPP.

“I appreciate the opportunity to meet with the president, as well as his administration’s continued commitment to partner with states and listen to their concerns.”

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