Prior to being dismissed as Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson said the United States will engage TPP 11 countries in trade. Recently the President also suggested he would reconsider joining the pact if it was fair for the U.S. Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President Krist Wollum says they would welcome re-entry as a vehicle to lower tariffs and expand beef sales to markets like Japan.

President Trump has nominated CIA Director and Kansan Mike Pompeo to replace Tillerson. Wollum says Pompeo’s ag background could be beneficial to the U.S. re-engaging in the Trans Pacific Partnership.

He says export customers in the TPP and the market potential they represent are critical for U.S. cattle producers.

The TPP 11 deal was signed last week by the remaining nations in the agreement, minus the United States.