USCA Encouraged By TPP Announcement, Will Review Final Provisions Once Released

The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is encouraged by today’s announcement that a Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement has been reached between the United States and 11 nations. The following statement may be attributed to USCA President Danni Beer, “USCA concluded its annual membership meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota this weekend. During policy sessions, TPP was a hot topic of discussion. Today’s announcement that negotiations have successfully reached a deal signal welcome news to a domestic industry in need of expanding international market access and reduction of tariffs in the countries included. The opportunities for U.S. beef exports is significant under this deal and we look forward to reviewing the specific parameters of the deal when it is released to the public.” “The potential benefits to the industry are significant; however, certain trade provisions must first be carefully scrutinized. Increases in New Zealand dairy exports have the potential to create a significant impact on the U.S. market while Japan, the third largest economy in the world and a major import market for U.S. beef, still has a tariff rate of around 38% on U.S. beef products. TPP offers an opportunity to level the playing field for U.S. producers by lowering and phasing out tariffs, making U.S. beef more competitive in the global market.” “USCA has worked with the Administration to ensure that necessary safeguards and snap-back provisions are included in any international trade agreement moving forward. The initial reports on TPP signal that these matters have been considered and we will review the actual agreement and terms when they are published. After publication, we will review all applicable provisions prior to issuing an official statement of support.”