000404 U.S. Trade Rep Hails Sale of Meat to China

Washington - The top U.S. trade official, hoping to boost support in Congress of permanent normal trade relations with Beijing, hailed the tiny first sale of U.S. pork and beef to China under an April 1999 bilateral agreement as the start of an era of more liberalized trade.

“Last night's shipment of meat represents the first direct opening of China's market to U.S. meat and poultry producers,” U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky said. “But full access will only happen if Congress votes to approve permanent normal trade relations with China.”

China only recently issued new regulations after moving slowly to implement the bilateral agreement requiring it to accept imports of U.S. pork or beef from any federally inspected plant.

The pork and beef sale was made to City Supermarket Company Limited, an upscale retailer in Shanghai, and was shipped on Sunday night by air freight out of San Francisco.

With the meat shipment, U.S. exporters have now made sales of all three commodities cover by the April 1999 pact.

Groups representing meat and poultry producers also hailed the shipment of less than one metric ton of pork ribs, pork sausage and beef products, calling it a harbinger of bigger sales to come and a sign China is serious about honoring its trade commitments.

“This is only a trickle compared to what pork producers can expect once China gains membership in the WTO (World Trade Organization) and tariff rates begin to fall,” National Pork Producers Council President Craig Jarolimek said.

U.S. farm groups have been urging China to demonstrate it will honor last year's agreement, which also covered wheat and citrus, to help boost support in Congress for permanent normal trade relations with Beijing. The White House says Congress must approve the measure for U.S. exporters to enjoy the full benefits of China's expected entry this year into the WTO.

“Chinese officials are taking the steps to make this trade agreement work,” said George Hall, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

“Now it's up to the U.S. Congress to do its part and approve permanent normal trade relations with China so that U.S. beef can be competitive in that market,” Hall said.

China has pledged to slash its high beef and pork tariffs once it becomes a WTO member.

Congress currently reviews China's trade status every year. But under WTO rules, Congress must give up that prerogative and approve PNTR for China, the White House says.

U.S. House leaders have agreed to schedule a vote on PNTR in May. It is expected to be close because of opposition from labor and human rights groups.

U.S. Senate support for PNTR is considered stronger.

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