Grassley Complains Administration Not Emphasizing Market Access Negotiations
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told reporters on a press call that his constituents are saying they're concerned there is a "lack of a trade agenda in this administration." He said that in the months since Katherine Tai was confirmed as U.S. trade representative, "I haven't seen any movement on trade agreements."
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Grassley, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to President Joe Biden telling him he's concerned that "your administration is not making agricultural trade a priority. Two positions that are essential to agriculture trade have been left vacant and there is no indication on when they will be filled. I urge you to appoint qualified individuals to the position of Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the role of Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)." Grassley argued, "Every day that passes without qualified leadership in these positions means the United States is playing without a full team against our competitors."
During his press call, Grassley was asked about what American plans are to pursue a phase two trade deal with China. He replied that we want to line up Europe, Canada, South Korea and Japan to form a "united front on trade with China." Grassley said that makes sense. "I think Trump could have been in a stronger position if he had done it the same way," he said. But Grassley said he doesn't know how far along that effort is. He also said he doesn't know how close China has come to meeting its purchase commitments under phase one. Those promises are supposed to be fulfilled by the end of this year.