Farm and Food: Free trade, free lunch

  We in agriculture talk about free trade agreements as if they are the international equivalent of a free lunch. All we need is a trade deal, we preach, and a full belly — easy profit — is an almost certainty. [Alan Guebert| February, 06 2016 | Journal Star] This lovely belief, of course, overlooks…

Government Announces Larger December Trade Deficit Despite Trade Deals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 05, 2016 Contact: Paola Masman, Media Director 202-688-5145, [email protected] Washington ~ The federal government announced today that the US trade deficit worsened yet against last December. Modern trade deals continue to cause failures in US trade performance and loss of dynamic, diverse manufacturing and agricultural supply chains.  Here are the relevant points from…

BERNIE WEIGHS IN TOO

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has been at the forefront of the fight against the president’s trade agenda, at the debate blasted not just TPP but all trade agreements “over the last 30 years.” “I believe in trade, but I do not believe in unfettered free trade,” he said. “I believe in fair trade which works for…

Portman, in surprise, to oppose trade deal

WASHINGTON — Sen. Rob Portman announced Thursday he will oppose a sweeping trade agreement negotiated by the Obama administration and 11 other countries, mostly in the Asia-Pacific region. [Deirdre Sheesgreen| February, 04 2016 | Cincinnat!] It’s a surprise move from the Ohio Republican, who served as the chief trade negotiator for President George W. Bush and…