WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – Top USDA trade officials in a Zoom panel discussion hosted by the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research and C-FARE say Asia continues to be key to expanding U.S. farm trade, but the Biden Administration is still deciding its trade agenda.

USDA Trade Counsel Jason Hafemeister says the U.S. made up 80-percent of its TPP withdrawal losses in its deal with Japan, but remains on the “outside, looking in” on CPTPP that followed and other deals.

But the administration is still undecided on its trade approach.

But there’s growing frustration among farm interests, the U.S. will fall behind, the longer the White House waits to move on trade—especially in Asia.

Shawn Arita, a senior USDA economist, says China’s Phase I 12-month buys to this April at $33 billion, have exceeded expectations as it recovers from African Swine Fever, with more purchases underway.

But Arita says it’s unknown if China will continue implementing Phase I or revert to previous trade barriers. Also, unknown, if the Biden team will pursue a Phase II China deal, or deals with the UK, EU, Kenya and others.