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AG Today

Ag Today July 30, 2018

Trump’s trade battles rattle some Tulare County farmers. Others say it’s just bluffing

Luis Hernandez and James Ward, Visalia Times-Delta

Published 3:28 p.m. PT July 27, 2018

Tulare County agricultural producers are split on how the Trump administration’s trade policies have or will affect their bottom lines.

While some say tariffs are already lowering prices, other producers said they believe the impact is being exaggerated.

At least one agricultural industry observer said President Donald Trump is using tariffs as a negotiation ploy to get better trade deals.

“What Trump is doing is using tariffs in the bluffing stage,” said Thomas Amaro, president of Pacific Ag consulting.

And Congressman Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), a member of the Congressional Trade Committee, says Trump’s tough tactics are already showing signs of positive results, at least with some U.S. trading partners.

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