Sen. Chuck Grassley speaks on US trade deals

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley has long been critical of tariffs, but the Republican is now saying the Trump administration’s trade deals will help farmers and manufacturers in Iowa.

The Trump administration’s trade deal deadline of August 1 is around the corner, and the president’s started to announce some agreements.

President Trump has announced trade deals with Japan, Indonesia, and the Phillipines among others.

Trump says Japan will invest $550 billion dollars in the US as a part of the trade deal.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said the past few months have led to uncertainty for farmers and manufacturers, but new trade deals could change that.

“The uncertainty that comes during all that period of time, and the fact of whether you’re in farming or manufacturing or services, you just don’t know what the future holds for you,” Grassley said.

President Trump initially said he would complete 90 deals in 90 days by July 9th.

Grassley said he believes in free trade, but he said the Trump administration’s tariff strategy has been successful.