Monday, August 27, 2018
Isadora Lilly- U.S. Trade War with China Affects American Farmers
As of July of this year, both the U.S. and China had imposed tariffs (=tax to be paid for imports and/or exports) on one another's goods, resulting in a trade war between the two countries. As for American president Donald Trump, his motives included a desire to become less dependent of foreign industries and importation, as well as beginning the creation of more jobs in America. Despite these positive sounding outcomes, this decision has already begun to impact Americans negatively.
One recent consequence is felt by American farmers, whose harvests suffer on account of the new tariffs. Fortunately, the Agriculture Department has stated that it will initiate Trump's promise of paying up to $12 billion in aid by paying $4.7 billion to farmers whose harvests have been affected by the U.S.-China trade war. The USDA's Farm Service Agency will also be providing a program which will give payments to corn, cotton, diary, hog, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers.
Despite all of the financial support and aid being given to farmers in difficulty, I do not believe that it is fair for these hard working people to be unfairly targeted, resulting in their involvement in a situation which they did not necessarily choose nor create. Although, on the other hand, this also shows that the people of America have a voice, and in order to reach a desired future must use it to express their concerns and beliefs to their leaders.
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I agree with you, it's good to know Trump is actually going to aid them instead of passing the tariffs and decide to not listen to the farmers. I have 1 question about your summary though, is Trump paying $12 or $4.7 billion to farmers? Though this is certainly a lot of money in aid, will this money actually be fairly distributed?
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment and interest in my blog Cathy! In response to your question, Trump has promised to pay $12 billion in aid to the farmers, and the Agriculture Department (a federal department) will begin this promise by distributing the first payment of $4.7 billion of aid. As for the distribution of the money I am not completely sure, as details are very limited, but you have a good point as this is a very important question to ask ourselves when dealing with a president induced issue such as this, in order to assure the proper financial support of the farmers.
DeleteI agree with you on how unfair it is for these farmers to be affected by a decision far out of their hands. It really shows how important voting and getting your voice heard is. Another thing I think is interesting is that the $4.7 billion paid to these farmers is coming out of a $12 billion budget. If a third of it is being dealt out now, right off the bat, how will there be enough money for future setbacks and road bumps?
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