Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, along with his colleagues, has urged the Biden administration to support Montana farmers and ranchers by increasing agricultural exports and enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. products abroad. In a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the senators expressed their concerns about the current state of U.S. agricultural exports.

“We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions,” the senators wrote. “However, the current sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports is directly attributable to and exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade."

The letter highlighted the Biden administration's reluctance to pursue traditional free trade agreements, which has had a negative impact on American export opportunities and global economic influence. While countries like China, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom are actively engaging in trade agreements that benefit their export industries, the U.S. is falling behind.

Senator Daines, along with Senators John Thune, John Boozman, Mike Crapo, and others, emphasized the importance of taking action to reverse the declining trend in U.S. agricultural exports. By advocating for policies that enhance market access and reduce trade barriers, they aim to support American farmers and ranchers in accessing international markets more effectively.

The full letter addressed to the Biden administration can be accessed for further details and insights on the senators' concerns and recommendations.