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Ross says other countries need U.S. ag products

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee this morning to discuss steel and aluminum tariffs.

In his comments to Ross, Nebraska Representative Adrian Smith referred to a recent comment by Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue.

“Secretary Perdue has mentioned that agriculture and agricultural products are always the tip of the spear in any type of retaliation action,” Smith said. “Let me just suggest that our ag economy is certainly not in a position to absorb any spears at this point.”

Smith asked Ross if the administration considered the potential impact on agriculture and the rural economy in making the tariffs decision. Ross replied that there’s no way to forecast what other countries will do in response.

“But I would say, the rest of the world cannot feed itself. We all know that,” Ross said. “They really need exports from those countries, like the U.S., that are very good at agriculture.”

Ross said the administration has worked hard to open markets for U.S. ag products and cited the reopening of the Chinese beef market.

AUDIO:  Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Lynn Jenkins of Kansas question Commerce Secretary Ross