US Cattlemen Urge Swift Passage of Trans-Pacific Partnership
US - The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association this week sent a letter on behalf of its members and state affiliates urging quick passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
26 February 2016
2 minute read
NCBA President Tracy Brunner said cattle producers cannot afford to wait any longer for passage of this critical agreement.
“The value exports add to US beef is undeniable,” said Mr Brunner.
“Asia and the Pacific Rim are extremely valuable markets for US beef. We not only export steaks and ground beef, but this region demands high quality variety meats like beef tongue.
"Those products bring a premium in these markets and add value back to producers here at home. Trade is an investment in our future, profitability for the next generation.”
In 2015, trade added an estimated $325 per head in value. Japan is the largest export market for US beef, amounting to $1.3 billion this past year.
Currently, US beef faces a 38.5 per cent tariff in Japan. With the implementation of the Australia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, Australian beef has a 10 per cent tariff advantage over US beef.
“Due to the preferential agreement between Australia and Japan, US producers have lost over $100 million in sales to Japan this past year,” said Mr Brunner.
“The only way to level the playing field, stop the erosion of our market and rebuild market share is passage of TPP. Once TPP is passed the tariff rate on our beef into Japan will immediately reduce to 27.5 per cent and continue to reduce to 9 per cent over 16 years.”
There are around 260 preferential trade agreements in force worldwide, only 14 of which include the US.
The NCBA urged Congress to quickly take up and pass the TPP to ensure a viable future for US beef exports.
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