Ag Headlines, Monday October 10, 2016

TTIP Talks Turning South, Deal Faces Uncertain Future

Trade negotiators for the U.S. and the European Union left scheduled talks in New York last week with little progress made regarding the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. U.S. negotiators even rejected an EU request for three days of agriculture talks. The National Pork Producers Council, which supports TTIP, said the group is skeptical of father progress of the trade deal based on the stubbornness of the EU on various issues. The 28-country bloc is willing to eliminate tariffs on nearly all goods, for example, but the EU announced it is unwilling to remove tariffs on beef, poultry and pork. The EU has indicated it would allow some market access for “sensitive” products, including meat if the United States agrees to the EU’s demands on reciprocal access and on protections for products labeled with geographical indications. NPPC says the future of TTIP is now more uncertain. Last month, EU trade ministers expressed doubts about getting the trade deal completed before the end of the Obama administration and several called for a pause in negotiations. No talks are scheduled beyond October.

Brazil Opens Market for U.S. Corn Imports

Brazil recently paved the way for imports of U.S. corn following a short corn crop, according to industry sources. Regulators in Brazil last week met and authorized outstanding biotech products needed to open Brazil for U.S. corn exports. The U.S. Grains Council says Brazil has faced a significant shortfall in its current corn crop, particularly in its second winter crop; with an estimated 16 million metric tons less produced this year than the last growing season. This has halved exports and prompted imports from regional producers Argentina and Paraguay. To date, the United States has not been able to fill the demand due to lack of approvals of some biotech products used by U.S. farmers. However, the Grains Council says last week’s move by Brazil opens the doors for U.S. corn. Still, imported corn may be limited to specific use in Brazil, restricting the export potential.

Source;  NAFB News