U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue is in Japan this week, talking with officials from America’s fourth-largest agricultural customer.
In a Twitter post, the secretary says he was on the phone with President Trump and discussed the increase in tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports and the negative impact it will have on farmers.
Perdue’s tweet says:
“While China may backtrack, @POTUS is steadfast in his support for U.S. farmers. He directed @USDA to quickly put together a plan to help American farmers. @POTUS loves his farmers and will not let them down!”
Perdue will make stops in Japan and South Korea, participating in the G-20 Agriculture Minister’s Meeting.
President Trump said in a Friday Twitter post that the increase in the tariffs will be used to buy farm goods.
He expects the new duties to generate more than $100 billion in extra revenue.
The president was unhappy with the pace of negotiations and increased duties from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.
In a Friday tweet, Trump said:
“You’re all-time favorite president got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS, the greatest anywhere in the world!”