Russia's Ban On Ag Imports

Russia's Ban On Ag Imports

Ag Information Network reporters have spoke with numerous people about Russia’s one year ban on U.S. agriculture imports - from ranchers, to orchardists, to wheat farmers, to Senators, and a common thread runs through every dialogue - it’s unfortunate and will affect some more than it will others, but in the overall picture it won’t have a major impact on U.S. farmers and ranchers. Experts say that exports to Russia have been slowly dwindling over the last several years, making Russia an unreliable trading partner in even the best of times. So who is hurting the most with the ban - that would be Russian citizens.  A White House spokesperson has pointed out that “Russia’s central bank has stated that banning imported food will boost inflation there and erode Russian citizen’s purchasing power”. Putin’s ban does put a stop to roughly $1.6 billion in trade with the United States, but while that sounds like and is a large number, it affects just 1% of all American ag exports. So, much like when a toddler falls off their bike and skins a knee, the ban will hurt a little, but it won’t really hurt that much. U.S. farmers and ranchers will just keep right on pedaling.
 
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