Trade & Economy

Trade

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• Cattlemen support open markets, level playing fields and science-based standards in international trade. 2011 was a great year for beef exports, 2012 was even better, and in spite of high input costs and prolonged drought conditions, 2013 looks like it could be a strong year for beef exports.
• With our competitors outpacing us in the race to ratify new trade agreements, NCBA was excited that the administration and Congress moved forward with passage and implementation of the free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.
• After a year-long examination of science related to BSE, the Japanese Food Safety Commission recommended lifting the age restriction on protocols for domestic and imported beef. As of February 1, 2013, U.S. beef from cattle slaughtered under 30 months of age can be exported to Japan. This is an increase from the under 20 month restriction previously placed on U.S. beef. In 2012, U.S. beef sales in Japan were on pace to exceed $1 billion. With the new protocols in place the sales could increase up to $1.5 billion.
• Even though Hong Kong was the fifth largest export market for U.S. beef in 2012, China remains closed to U.S. beef exports and represents one of the largest potential growth markets for U.S. beef — worth approximately $200 million. Hopefully the advancement of science-based trade standards between the United States and China’s neighbors will lead to a science-based trade relationship between the United States and China.
• One major setback has been the closure of Russia’s market to U.S. beef and pork following Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization and Congress’ granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations status to Russia. NCBA is disappointed that Russia failed to base this decision on international scientific standards, like the guidelines established by the codex alimentarius.  This is an unfortunate setback for U.S. beef producers and our Russian customers who purchased more than $300 million of US beef in 2012.
• NCBA is excited at the February 2013 announcement by the United States and the European Union that there will be negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. We hope that an agreement between the United States and the European Union will be a 21st Century agreement that will break down arbitrary tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that are not market-driven and science-based. 

Transportation

• NCBA is focused on making transportation policies more efficient for cattle producers by supporting legislation to create uniform transportation laws across all states and helping states adopt transportation laws that increase allowable weight, length and trailer requirements.
• NCBA supports adding additional axles to livestock and semi-trailers to increase braking power and place less total weight on each axle, making transporting livestock safer and less stressful on U.S. roadways.