The European Union is getting ready to negotiate with the United States and allow the U.S. to increase beef exports to E.U. countries. E.U. officials say they will look to raise the U.S. share of hormone free beef imports into Europe. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall says he’s encouraged they’re moving forward with those discussions.

He says having the E.U. proceed with these talks goes well with recent trade victories the U.S. has achieved with the new NAFTA, the USMCA and the redone KORUS as well as bilateral talks with Japan.

Woodall says it’s critical the Europeans drop their non tariff trade barriers and follow proper science.

The E.U. and U.S. are hoping to begin trade discussions next week.