Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young and John Thune have called on the Biden administration to take action to increase U.S. agricultural exports. In a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the senators expressed concern over what they describe as an "unambitious U.S. trade strategy."

The letter, also signed by 17 other senators, highlighted a sharp decline in U.S. agricultural exports attributed to the lack of new free trade agreements under the current administration. The senators argue that while the Biden administration has not pursued traditional free trade agreements, other countries such as China, Canada, and members of the European Union have secured deals that reduce American export opportunities.

"We expect trade to fluctuate in response to macroeconomic factors and market conditions," stated the senators. They further criticized the current strategy for failing to expand market access or reduce barriers to trade.

The correspondence outlined concerns about a projected $30.5 billion U.S. agricultural trade deficit for fiscal year 2024 and urged immediate action from the administration to reverse this trend.

International trade remains vital for U.S. agriculture, with significant portions of major crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, almonds, nonfat milk powder, rice, and potatoes destined for foreign markets in 2023.

The letter concluded with a request for responses from Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack within 14 days regarding questions on improving competitiveness and market share in foreign agricultural markets.