An ag economist with University of Missouri Extension says agriculture is still expected to play a role in discussions between the U.S. and China when the countries meet this month.
Ben Brown tells Brownfield “Maybe some more purchase commitments of U.S. ag products to access the U.S. consumer market, right? Those are things that we’ve seen in the past.”
There’s been some optimism among grain traders China will agree to buy more old crop soybeans when the two countries meet later this month, but it’s unclear if that will happen.
Brown says attention could move beyond soybean purchases, considering other ag products.
“Could we see, maybe some meat, pork, for instance? Could we see, corn and grain sorghum as part of those purchase commitments? I think those are all possible.”
He says pre-meeting signals will provide insight ahead of the talks. The U.S. and China are scheduled to meet in mid-May.
