U.S. Takes First Step in Australian Free Trade Agreement

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick Nov. 13 announced that he has formally notified congressional leaders of the goals and objectives for a free trade agreement between the United States and Australia.  This begins a 90-day comment period by Congress, after which formal negotiations will begin.

NCBA has cautioned the Bush administration in proceeding with these negotiations and earlier this week led a coalition of agricultural groups in sending a letter to Ambassador Zoellick expressing these reservations.

USTR’s press release as well as Ambassador Zoellick’s letter to Congress can be accessed at http://www.ustr.gov.  

Ambassador Zoellick is in Australia this week attending an informal meeting of Trade Ministers from 25 World Trade Organization countries and met with Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Trade Minister Mark Vaile prior to the announcement.

NCBA will continue to watch these negotiations and raise the beef industry’s concerns.