Terry Branstad praises Trump's 'strong stand' on tariffs

Brianne Pfannenstiel , Tony Leys | Des Moines Register

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, now the U.S. ambassador to China, said Thursday that President Trump is correct to press China on trade issues, even though the president’s actions have sparked retaliatory tariffs that could hurt Iowa farmers.

"We’re hopeful this can get resolved, but I really appreciate the fact that the president is taking a strong stand," said Branstad, who’d returned to Iowa to attend a visitation for former Gov. Robert Ray. "I’ve talked to so many companies and so many individuals who feel it’s about time that China change its policies and restore fairness and reciprocity in trade."

Trump in June announced a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods. China responded with tariffs of its own that primarily targeted agricultural sectors and will disproportionately affect states like Iowa.

Chinese tariffs on pork and soybeans could cost Iowa farmers an estimated $1 billion through reduced prices, economists say.

More: Chinese soybean tariff would hit Iowa's economy hardest, new report says

Earlier this week, Trump signaled an escalation in the trade war, threatening to levy an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods.

Branstad told reporters that China's targeting of agricultural products is "inappropriate," but praised Trump's actions.

“What they need to do is change their policies and quit stealing our technology, and respect intellectual property rights and work together with us," Branstad said. "We’ve been trying to get them for years, through many administrations, to change this, and they’ve promised to do it again and again, and have failed to do it. I think patience has grown thin, and now is the time to get it resolved."

Gov. Kim Reynolds met with farmers in northwest Iowa Thursday, telling them that she's spoken with Branstad about the damage tariffs are having on Iowa, its growers and manufacturers.

“We need NAFTA moving. We need Mexico moving. We need to get some relief to farmers and manufacturers,” she said.

Reynolds said she also voiced her concerns during Vice President Mike Pence’s trip to Cedar Rapids this week and has had ongoing discussions with Trump and his top trade leaders.

While in Cedar Rapids, Pence worked to reassure Iowans that Trump's efforts on trade will pay off for them "in the long term."

"When it comes to agriculture, I just want to assure all my friends here in Iowa and all across the region: Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re always going to stand with American farmers," Pence said.

Des Moines Register reporter Donnelle Eller contributed to this report.