News
USTR gathering feedback on non-tariff trade barriers
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is gathering feedback concerning non-tariff trade barriers.
Minnesota Soybean Growers executive director Joe Smentek tells Brownfield the Association submitted comments on several issues.
“China still has some non-tariff trade barriers that we face. The UK has some similar ones, along with the European Union.”
He says the issue with the United Kingdom stems from that country’s process of reviewing pesticides and chemicals.
“They could actually decide today that a chemical that our farmers use in planting is now all of a sudden not allowed, which could result in ships that are going to the European Union to be disallowed.”
Smentek says while the UK is not a huge importer of U.S. soybeans, a lot of countries that are “take their cues” from the former European Union member.
The USTR uses the input to help draft a 700-page report on foreign trade barriers that is submitted to Congress each year.
This is a good example of MSGA proactive abilities. The staff and farmer leaders are eager to recognize issues such as non tariff trade barriers that have potential to cause great harm to our growers sustainability. Building relations with USTR and visiting with high level officials of other countries is not accidental. We are fortunate and grateful for the efforts of MSGA .