Daines speaks on the EU, Trump and tariffs

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said Thursday that President Donald Trump's negotiations with the European Union is a positive step forward and puts the United States in a position of strength.

"The EU development, I think, is very positive," Daines said from Washington during a telephone press conference.

Trump announced Wednesday that trade negotiations will proceed with the EU with the goal of establishing free and fair trade agreements, in addition to creating zero tariffs and no other trade barriers.

Daines said he was very pleased to see the president working with the EU toward the goal of free and fair trade agreements for agriculture, automobiles and energy. He added that Europe relies on Germany for 50 percent of its energy and Russia for 30 percent.

The U.S. has too many tariffs and barriers that hurt the nation's trade with the international market, Daines said, a market that makes up 95 percent of the world's consumers.

Daines added that China's beef tariffs are from 37 to 50 percent, Japan's are at 38 percent and Australia's, the United States' leading competitor for Japan's beef market, are at 9 percent. He said this cannot continue.  

Daines said the future is pointed toward international markets depending on free, fair and reciprocal trade.

The country is in a position of strength at the moment, Daines said, adding that China's stock market is down 18 percent and the EU is stalling. Trump plans to bring that strength to the future trade deals, he said.

"In negotiation, a good sign is always when the other guy goes first, that's what we saw with the EU commissioner," Daines said.

"We are staring at Montana farmers and ranchers. We must never forget the ability of our nation to feed itself, for itself, is critical," Daines said. "Taking it to the next level of feeding the world and fueling the world is a great opportunity. ... The world will be a safer place if it is not dependent on Russia or the Middle East for energy, but the world dependent on the U.S."

Daines said the country still has a lot of work in trade infrastructure, but what Trump discussed with the EU Wednesday is a step forward.

"I think you are going to see additional good news coming out of Mexico within the next couple of months, as well as negotiations ongoing with China," Daines said.

Daines said that the best way to make sure Montana agriculture producers aren't hurt by tariffs Trump has put in place is to work on trade agreements. Wrapping up those trade agreements as fast as possible is the only thing that can be done to make sure Montana farmers and ranchers don't lose markets overseas, he said.

Responding to an email from the Havre Daily News requesting more comment, Daines said, "With over 95 percent of the world¹s consumers overseas, it is critical that Montana farmers and ranchers have access to critical markets like Japan, China, the EU and others. Countries like the EU and Japan are advancing their own trade agreements, leaving our farmers and ranchers at a competitive disadvantage. President Trump's announcement that he has made progress with the EU to reduce barriers to trade and expand energy exports is good news. I will continue to work with the administration to re-engage in negotiations with the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will help expand access to markets like Japan and help level the playing field for our producers."