Trump unveils US$16bil aid for farmers

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump unveiled a new US$16bil (RM67bil) aid package to help farmers caught in the crossfire of his trade war with China.

“The farmers have been attacked by China,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

“We’re going to help out our farmers and we’re giving them that level playing field that is so important.”

Trump again claimed that China is paying the 25% tariffs he has imposed on US$200bil (RM838bil) in imports, which economists agree are paid by businesses and consumers.

“Some of that money will go to the farmers to help them out during a period where trade has been very unfair to them,” Trump said.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the bulk of the funds will go to direct payments to crop and livestock producers, while a small portion will be used to purchase food to use in US aid programmes like food banks and school lunch programmes.

“The plan we are announcing today ensures farmers do not bear the brunt of unfair retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other trading partners,” Perdue told reporters in a conference call.

“Farmers would rather have trade than aid but without the trade they are going to need some support.” — AFP