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Grassley doubtful Trump-Xi meeting will produce breakthrough

Agricultural interests are hopeful that a potential meeting next month between President Trump and Chinese President Xi could produce a breakthrough in the trade war between the two countries.

But Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s doubtful.

“I thin the President’s strategy is to get China confronted with a united front of North America, Europe and Japan, to make more of an immediate impact on China and let them know that it just isn’t the United States versus China…to have more bargaining power,” Grassley says.

Grassley says if China’s economy is worse than is being reported, Xi may be more willing to negotiate.

“We hear that the trade activity on our part is really hurting the Chinese economy. They’re not admitting it, but there’s plenty of reports out there.”

U.S. officials have indicated that a meeting between Trump and Xi could take place at next month’s G20 Summit in Argentina.

AUDIO: Excerpt from Grassley’s conference call with ag reporters