Trump unveils ‘breakthrough’ deal over US beef exports to European Union

President Trump on Friday announced a deal with the European Union to increase market access for U.S. ranchers.

The agreement, which must still receive approval from the European Parliament, marks a potential victory on the trade front for Trump as he escalates a fight with China and threatens additional tariffs against France.

“These are indeed patriots,” Trump said in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, surrounded by farmers in rancher hats. “They’re always targeted first by other countries that try and take advantage of the United states. They’re the first to be targeted, but we take that target off their back.”

The agreement establishes a duty-free tariff rate quota for the U.S. in European markets. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the agreement will nearly triple the market access for American ranchers once it is fully implemented.

Should the EU approve the agreement, it would provide a win for Trump and farmers as the latter bears the brunt of the president’s trade war with China.