Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) recently engaged in discussions with leaders from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the impact of tariffs on North Dakota's agriculture and energy sectors. The meeting focused on market access, pricing, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties caused by tariffs.

"North Dakota’s farmers and energy producers are on the front lines of our trade policies, and I understand the real concerns they have about market access, pricing, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty caused by tariffs," Fedorchak stated. She noted a "productive conversation with USTR leaders about these challenges," specifically mentioning retaliatory tariffs from China, Mexico, and Canada. Fedorchak expressed optimism that USTR prioritizes creating new market opportunities for farmers.

The trade officials indicated that imports and exports of agricultural commodities might be exempt under the current USMCA framework depending on decisions made by Mexico and Canada.

Fedorchak also highlighted her support for "the Trump administration’s emphasis on American energy dominance" and emphasized the importance of infrastructure such as pipelines and power generation facilities in achieving this goal. She stressed that enhancing existing supply chains while developing new ones is crucial to meeting these objectives.

The administration's comprehensive trade policy is outlined in the January 20, 2025 Presidential Document titled America First Trade Policy. "These issues are vital to national and economic security," Fedorchak added. She pledged to continue collaborating with the Trump administration as trade policies evolve to advocate for solutions beneficial to North Dakota's economy.

For those seeking information about how these changes may affect their business operations, Congresswoman Fedorchak's Washington D.C. office offers assistance in connecting with USTR’s public liaison office for updated information and support.