Sixty House Republican lawmakers are seeking answers from President Joe Biden after Beijing failed to meet its buying targets under the “phase one” trade agreement with the United States.
“We urge you to take immediate steps to rectify the unbalanced agricultural trade relationship with China; work towards new enforceable commitments from China,” the lawmakers wrote.
“We are concerned that the lack of enforcement action will set a detrimental precedent for future trade negotiations,” they added.
Many signatories are members of the House Agriculture Committee, including Reps. Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Chris Jacobs (R-N.Y.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.).
Vilsack said U.S. trade representative Katherine Tai “continues to converse with China about the necessity of living up totally and completely to the phase one trade agreement, making up that $16 billion deficit over the course of the next several years.”
“We’re going to continue to press China on the need for complete enforcement and complete implementation of the trade agreement before we begin the process of discussing the possibility of extensions,” he added.
In their letter, the House lawmakers asked Biden four different questions and said they wanted Biden’s “detailed responses.”
“How will your administration report to Congress on areas in which China has fallen short of its obligations under the Phase One trade deal?” one of the questions says.
Another question asks, “Is your administration considering negotiations of a new fully enforceable deal that further levels the playing field with China to ensure China continues to purchase and import American agricultural goods?”
“Any solution must address the full suite of issues—including market access, administrative licensing, procurement, and localization—in a comprehensive and holistic manner. You must act now for America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers,” the letter says.