Trade War to Trade Deal

Recently China and the United States struck a new trade deal that will look to open up the movement of beef, natural gas, and cooked chicken. I encourage you to read through the linked article that shares some of the details of the recent trade talks. At the bottom of the article there is a five minute video clip of analysts looking closer at the trade deal and bringing up some intriguing points. We encourage you to explore the article and video and use the discussion points below to guide your conversations.

China, US Reach Agreement

Discussion Points

• What are the initial details of this trade agreement? 
• To you what is the most significant part of this trade agreement and why?
• Why have some cautioned against immediate excitement over the trade deal?
• Give your predictions of this trade deal. What will be the impact of beef, pork, and/or natural gas prices in your home country for the consumer and producers? Explain and justify your reasonings.

Brazilian Meat

Even though we have returned from Brazil we will keep our focus on Brazil for this weeks post and discussion points. About a week ago the meat industry in Brazil took a hit domestically and globally. Below I have linked two articles regarding the recent issues facing the meat industry in Brazil. One includes a video and the other is strictly text. I encourage you to check out both and then utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe. 

Brazil Beef Halts After Allegations (includes video)

Brazil Meat Exports Plunge

Discussion Points

• What is the meat industry in Brazil facing at this time?
• What are other countries doing in reaction to the current situation? What has been the impact on Brazilian exports?
• What are the possible impacts that this could have on the global meat markets? Explain your reasoning.
• If you were a high ranking official in Brazil how would you deal with the current situation to ensure as little impact to the Brazilian meat industry as possible?