U.S. Considers Steps To Protect Against Seasonal Imports

(UPDATED) The Trump administration plans to take steps to protect U.S. growers of seasonal produce against what it calls threats of increased imports, from initiating an International Trade Commission investigation to form an inter-agency group for possible investigations and trade actions.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce released the administration’s report on Sept. 1, following online hearings on Aug. 13 and Aug. 20 in which dozens of U.S. legislators, growers, trade groups and others outlined what they said were unfair trade practices, mostly by Mexico.

“President Trump recognizes the challenges faced by American farmers and is committed to promoting and securing fair trade and a level playing field for all American producers,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a news release.