U.S. Signs New Trade Deals

The Dominican Republic Aug. 5 entered into a free trade agreement with the U.S. and five countries of Central America. Negotiations with the Dominican Republic were launched in January 2004 and ended in March.  NCBA was present at the signing of the U.S.-Central American FTA (CAFTA) in late May, and the DR-CAFTA agreement. Cattlemen will be pleased with the market access provisions that were negotiated for U.S. beef in the U.S.-DR-CAFTA.  One of the strongest aspects of the DR-CAFTA agreement is the recognition of the fact that the vast majority of U.S. exports are a premium grain-fed product that will not compete price-wise with Dominican Republic or Central American grass-fed beef. The DR-CAFTA agreement’s immediate duty-free access for U.S. Prime and Choice beef (defined as “high quality”) into Central American hotels and restaurants is significant for cattle producers. 

Morocco

The U.S. House and Senate passed the U.S.-Morocco free trade agreement before the August recess.  The House bill  passed by a vote of 323-99; The Senate version vote was 85-13. 

NCBA would like to applaud members nationwide for their work in getting these votes. This is a good agreement for the cattle industry. Cattlemen gain access to a new market we’ve never had before, and this agreement sets a precedent for future agreements that may be beneficial for U.S. producers.  The bill will now move to the President’s desk for signature.