Mon., Sep 09 02 - NCBA President Urges USTR Office to Seek Fair Trade

Suggested Lead:

Speaking to a staff committee in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Monday afternoon, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Wythe Willey said cattlemen will not accept international trade that doesn’t protect the U.S. cattle industry.  Willey said trade must be on a level playing field.

Cut #1    :16       Outcue: "...markets in other countries."

According to Willey, U.S. cattlemen will defend their market.

Cut #2    :09       Outcue: "...the U.S. herd’s health."

Willey said exports have enormous implications.

Cut #3    :25       Outcue: "...prices are fairly good."

According to Willey, U.S. producers n’t mind battling on a fair playing field.

Cut #4    :23       Outcue: "...balance of trade a lot."

Willey said unilateral trade agreements with individual countries just doesn’t make sense.

Cut #5    :18       Outcue: "...the United States cattleman."

According to Willey, trade efforts to date have been very successful.  For example, the tariffs in China have been reduced from 45 percent to 12 percent over the next few years, opening up opportunities for the U.S. beef industry to reach that country’s 300 million middle class citizens.