Senator Wants China to Open Its Trade Doors
New report details Chinese measures that limit U.S. agricultural exports.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 23, 2011
Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has called on China to reduce trade barriers to U.S. agricultural products. A report released by the U.S. International Trade Commission, co-requested by Grassley, details the Chinese government measures that limit U.S. agricultural exports to China. This report shows China's policies harm exports of U.S. products including pork, beef, and corn.
While China is the largest market in the world for U.S. agricultural goods, the report notes that U.S. exports to China are concentrated in just a few commodities, primarily soybeans and cotton. The report finds the Chinese government support for the agriculture sector boosts the competitiveness of Chinese agricultural products relative to U.S. products. While China's agricultural tariffs are significantly higher than those of the United States, the report notes that China's average agricultural tariffs are relatively low in comparison to some other trading partners of the United States.
According to the report, the elimination of China's tariffs and non-tariff barriers could result in an additional $3.9 billion to $5.2 billion in U.S. agricultural exports to China. Grassley says U.S. producers should have full access to the Chinese market. It's necessary for supporting U.S. jobs, and it's China's obligation to allow legitimate access as a member of the World Trade Organization.
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Tagged: soybeans, cotton
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