There are several positive developments in the trade arena for U.S. agriculture. That’s according to National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall. He says the opening round of bilateral discussions began with Japan last week and if a deal can be completed quickly it will be beneficial for U.S. cattle producers.
He says Japan was the top export customer for U.S. beef in 2018 and even with a 38.5 percent tariff bought $2 billion worth of American product.
He says they’re also hoping for a deal with China soon that will end the trade war. He says getting restrictions lifted on beta agonists like ractopamine in U.S. beef is a key part of that.
Woodall says the U.S. may also open discussions with the United Kingdom once the Brexit debate is settled and England leaves the European Union.
Woodall says the United Kingdom is much more likely to have a liberal production technology stance than the European Union and is more open to accepting beef implanted with hormones.
