Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack considers that renewal of the Trade Promotion Authority is critical to maintaining exports. Legislation funding the Trade Promotion Authority expires in June.
Vilsack is a supporter of the U.S. joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This would help U.S. agriculture given the lost opportunities following withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) within days of the previous Administration assuming office. The eleven remaining members of the TPP then formed the successor CPTPP that effectively excluded U.S. from trade benefits enjoyed by member nations.
The USDA also favors a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom in addition to establishing new markets in Africa and Asia.