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USDA leader says Iowa farmers want new trade deal with Mexico, Canada

Iowa farmers want a new U.S. trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, the largest buyers of U.S. corn, pork and ethanol, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's trade leader acknowledged in a visit to the Iowa State Fair.

President Donald Trump has been "very clear that he wants to see a fair and reciprocal trade deal there for our folks," said Luke Lindberg, undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

Lindberg was accompanied by Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig on Tuesday, Aug. 18, for a private get-together with farmers at the fair.

"We want to make sure our folks are getting a fair bite of that apple," he said. "Right now, Mexico and Canada farmers are getting a better deal than us."

The message comes as Trump has threatened to place a 50% tariff on $20 billion in Canadian goods, though he paused it for at least three days early Wednesday, claiming a deal is near.

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