China-US trade dispute looms over Montana beef export deal

By MATTHEW BROWN

Associated Press

BILLINGS — A brewing trade war between China and the U.S. comes at an inopportune time for Montana ranchers, who are seeking to close a multi-year deal to export up to $200 million of beef through China’s largest online retailer, industry representatives said Thursday.

The export agreement between the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com was touted as a landmark agreement when it was announced in November, soon after the lifting of longstanding restrictions on Chinese imports of U.S. beef.

But suddenly looming over the...