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Perdue points to TPP as possible bargaining chip with China

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is pointing to U.S. reentry in the Trans Pacific Partnership as a possible bargaining tactic to end the trade dispute with China.

Speaking to reporters in Maine earlier this week, Perdue talked about gaining leverage in negotiations with the Chinese.

I’m going to suggest to the President that we regain our partners in the TPP and put a united front against China.”

Perdue did not give a timeline for how long China has to come to an agreement, but acknowledged the U.S. has become dependent on that market.

“We probably made a mistake as American producers being so dependent on the China market.  It was easy, big, and we probably became more dependent on them than they became on us.”

President Trump has said he does not want the U.S. in TPP, but suggests if the deal is too good for the United States to refuse, he would do it.