President Trump criticized trade agreements with other nations Wednesday morning, as he attends NATO meetings.
Mr. Trump specifically cited soybeans as an example of how American farmers are struggling. He also alluded to “other countries” with trade barriers against the U.S. in his criticism.
I am in Brussels, but always thinking about our farmers. Soy beans fell 50% from 2012 to my election. Farmers have done poorly for 15 years. Other countries’ trade barriers and tariffs have been destroying their businesses. I will open…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2018
…things up, better than ever before, but it can’t go too quickly. I am fighting for a level playing field for our farmers, and will win!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2018
Soybeans are caught up in the trade war between the U.S. and China.
They account for a major portion of the U.S. agricultural exports to China. Sixty percent of the $20 billion in exports come from the crop, according to a Bloomberg report. Once China announced their retaliatory tariffs, soybean stock dropped 14 percent in June.
The president is also in a trade war with the European Union. Some EU members are meeting with Mr. Trump Wednesday during the NATO summit.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.