One of the less incendiary tweets sent out last week by President Trump had to do with the American sugar industry, making corn and sugar lobbyists happy. Trump tweeted, “New sugar deal negotiated with Mexico is a good one for both Mexico and the U.S. Had no deal for many years, which hurt U.S. badly.” The deal announced last month addresses long-term complaints that many in the American sugar industry had regarding unfair trade practices by Mexico. However, Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report says many conservative voices spoke out against the deal. Pennsylvania Republican Senator Pat Toomey tweeted back at Trump, saying, “I disagree – the new sugar deal hikes prices for consumers even more.” However, the sugar and corn refining groups side with Trump regarding the deal. “America’s sugar producers thank President Trump and his team for defending U.S. jobs, supporting America’s sugar farmers, and holding Mexico accountable for breaking U.S. trade law,” says Phillip Hayes, spokesman for the American Sugar Alliance. John Bode, President and Chief Executive for the Corn Refiners Association, says the deal strengthens protections for U.S. sugar while also protecting U.S. corn sweetener exports, as well as the 4,000 jobs those exports support.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.