Trump nominates key trade negotiator as tariff deadline nears

US President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). 

The announcement was made in an official release on 17 July and is currently pending Senate confirmation.

Callahan, a career trade official, currently serves as Assistant US Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy. She previously held key roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has represented US interests in international trade forums. 

Industry reactions

Trump’s nomination was welcomed by agricultural and feed industry associations.

“Dr. Callahan’s extensive agricultural trade experience and strong track record for advocating on behalf of America’s agriculture sector will be critical during this time of continued global expansion for the U.S. pet food industry,” says the Pet Food Institute (PFI).

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) echoed this sentiment and highlighted the “proven track record” of working to address foreign market access issues for U.S. food and agricultural products.

“We are confident that she will continue to be an effective advocate for U.S. agriculture in this new role” says Mike Seyfert, NGFA’s President and CEO.

Ongoing tariff negotiations  

This development comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and key markets. Earlier in July, Trump extended the initial 9 July deadline for new tariffs to take effect, warning that rates ranging from 20% to 50% would be imposed starting 1 August. 

On 14 July, the European Commission announced a postponement of its retaliatory tariffs on certain US products, including agricultural goods, until 1 August. The delay is intended to allow more time for both sides to resolve outstanding disputes through negotiation. 

The EU had previously targeted pet food in its retaliatory tariff list—a 218-page document detailing industrial and agricultural products potentially subject to import duties. 

While the delay offers temporary relief, further developments are expected as talks continue. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that countries may still negotiate after 1 August but emphasized that this date marks the beginning of reciprocal tariffs for those without an agreement in place.