Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen embarked on a trade mission to Switzerland and Germany last November, aiming to boost Minnesota's exports and strengthen business ties with these countries.
The delegation visited major business centers in Zürich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin, with stops at key companies such as Buhler Inc., Cargill, Syngenta, and CLAAS. Petersen said that the group met with various ag businesses and organizations from Minnesota's soybean and edible bean industries.
While concrete outcomes for the state's agricultural trade with Germany and Switzerland are still pending, Petersen acknowledged that relationship-building was a priority. "So many of the businesses have strong connections in Minnesota, or want to improve their connections in Minnesota," he noted.
The trip also took place against the backdrop of significant changes in U.S.-Switzerland trade policy. Just before the delegation's departure, the US and Switzerland announced plans to cut tariffs on Swiss goods to 15%, a move that had been held up by a previous tariff rate of 39%.
Petersen expressed relief at the news, saying it was "big news." However, he emphasized that building relationships with companies like Buhler, which has its North American headquarters in Minnesota, is key. "It's not just about tariffs; it's about how we support them," he said.
The mission also gave Petersen an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of US federal policy on trade. He noted that, in today's globalized economy, industry connections are crucial for driving growth and jobs back home.
As the trip came to a close, Petersen reflected on his experiences and suggested that Minnesota's ag commissioner role allows him to see the interconnectedness of different industries. "It's kind of interesting to show what a small world it is," he quipped, referencing the state connections found in these global companies.
The delegation visited major business centers in Zürich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin, with stops at key companies such as Buhler Inc., Cargill, Syngenta, and CLAAS. Petersen said that the group met with various ag businesses and organizations from Minnesota's soybean and edible bean industries.
While concrete outcomes for the state's agricultural trade with Germany and Switzerland are still pending, Petersen acknowledged that relationship-building was a priority. "So many of the businesses have strong connections in Minnesota, or want to improve their connections in Minnesota," he noted.
The trip also took place against the backdrop of significant changes in U.S.-Switzerland trade policy. Just before the delegation's departure, the US and Switzerland announced plans to cut tariffs on Swiss goods to 15%, a move that had been held up by a previous tariff rate of 39%.
Petersen expressed relief at the news, saying it was "big news." However, he emphasized that building relationships with companies like Buhler, which has its North American headquarters in Minnesota, is key. "It's not just about tariffs; it's about how we support them," he said.
The mission also gave Petersen an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of US federal policy on trade. He noted that, in today's globalized economy, industry connections are crucial for driving growth and jobs back home.
As the trip came to a close, Petersen reflected on his experiences and suggested that Minnesota's ag commissioner role allows him to see the interconnectedness of different industries. "It's kind of interesting to show what a small world it is," he quipped, referencing the state connections found in these global companies.
2b honest tho, petersen's efforts seem legit & im all 4 relationship-building 
i mean, whos got time 2 deal w/ tariffs rn? 
especially w/ those changes in u.s. - switzerland trade policy 
15% tariff is def a win 
Minnesota is really stepping up its trade game with Germany and Switzerland! 
The fact that they're already seeing potential for stronger business ties is just amazing. 
It's like, no matter where you are in the world, those connections back home can make all the difference. 
I mean, who wouldn't want to support companies like Buhler and Cargill? They're total game-changers! 
Now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that those relationships really do start to grow and benefit everyone involved! 
#MinnesotaPride #TradeMission #GlobalConnections #BusinessGoals
... but it feels like we need more than just business relationships, u know? we need policies that support farmers and workers, not just corporate profits 
... and yeah, it's cool that commissioner petersen got to see how global trade affects our state, but what about the people on the ground, livin in minnesota? 
️ I think it's awesome that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Thom Petersen are investing time and effort into strengthening business ties with Switzerland and Germany. The emphasis on relationship-building over just tariffs is a great approach, especially considering the complex world of international trade 
... Minnesota farmers do need some help boosting their exports right? 
. Plus, who doesn't love building relationships with companies like Buhler? 
? But seriously, Minnesota's trade mission was a great idea - it shows that our governor and agriculture commissioner are thinking about how we can grow our economy and create more jobs.
That would be amazing for Minnesota! But I guess you can't rush these things, right? It's all about taking small steps and building momentum. 
️. But it's all about building those relationships and supporting companies like Buhler - it's not just about the money 
. Plus, having someone on the ground to see how US policy impacts trade is super valuable 
. Minnesota's ag commissioner role might just be the right fit for this kind of work 
. And what's with the emphasis on "relationship-building" vs. actual trade agreements? It feels like they're trying to spin this as some kind of success story when really it's just more of the same 
Germany & switzerland r huge markets 4 those ag businesses, so i think it's awesome that Petersen is buildin relationships 
and not just focusin on tariffs 
. It just goes to show how connected the world is now – one change in policy can have ripples all over the globe 
.
. It just goes to show how interconnected everything is today, right? One guy's success can affect someone else's business across the country or even globally 
.
. He's doing a great job promoting Minnesota's interests abroad, that's for sure!