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Optimism growing around new US rice access into the UK

Meetings in London and Brussels last week heightened optimism for a trade deal between the US and the United Kingdom once the UK separates from the EU.

USA Rice Federation representative Peter Bachmann tells Brownfield they met with rice organizations and officials to discuss post-Brexit trade.

“What we learned was some really positive, optimistic news about the desire for US rice and our opportunities there may be growing by the day.”

Bachmann says the US is seeking duty free access to export rice to the UK where there is no domestic rice production.

“We really see this as a golden opportunity to be able to grow our share there. They are buying around 700,000 metric tons a year from all origins and we would really like to get a good chunk of that dedicated to US producers.”           

Last week the UK voted to move forward with Brexit by January 31^st. Bachmann says President Trump and US Trade representative Robert Lighthizer are anticipating negotiations of a trade deal with the UK early in 2020 that could include several ag products.