000388 US Cattle Farmers Urge Passage of Trade Bill

Washington - U.S. cattle ranchers lobbied lawmakers to extend China's trade privileges and keep U.S. beef producers competitive in the world market.

Testifying before the House Ways and Mean Committee, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association outlined the importance of successful trade agreements, especially with China, for U.S. beef producers.

“China, with the world's largest population and a growing middle class, could easily grow to the No.1 or 2 market for U.S. beef,” said Chuck Schroeder, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Congress is expected to vote on permanent normal trade relations with China in May. Senate support is virtually assured, but faces a number of obstacles in a bitterly divided House.

“If Congress fails, then U.S. beef producers will essentially be shut out of the China market, while other countries take advantage of its potential,” Schroeder said.

U.S. beef exports are projected to fall two to three percent this year from 2.3 billion lbs in 1999, due to a decline in food aid shipments to Russia, according to the USDA.

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