U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Philippine Secretary Trade of Industry Ramon Lopez issued a joint statement his week saying they’ve made progress on several key trade issues., related to the U.S red meat industry. Nebraska Cattlemen Association Executive Vice President Pete McClymont is encouraged they’re moving forward on trade negotiations.

He says the administration’s push for new trade deals seems to be paying off as recently Philippine officials were in Nebraska visiting cattle operations.

McClymont is hoping the administration keeps aggressively pursuing trade agreements going forward.
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The Philippines is a rapidly growing destination for U.S. red meat, especially raw material used in further processing. Through August, U.S. beef exports were 25 percent ahead of last year’s pace with pork exports up 22 percent.