Boozman, Cotton Applaud Reopening Of Chinese Market To American Beef
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) applauded the end of the 13-year ban on U.S. beef imports to China.
“This is great news for cattle producers and ranchers in Arkansas and across the country who will be able to sell their top quality and affordable products to the growing Chinese market. For 13 years, American beef producers have been shut out of the Chinese market, and I’m pleased the Trump administration has worked to level the playing field and create an environment where Americans can compete fairly,” Boozman said.
“This is a good day for the cattle farmers of Arkansas and all of America. U.S. beef is second to none, and there’s no reason why American farmers shouldn’t be able to compete for Chinese customers. I commend the President for bringing this deal to a successful close,” Cotton said.
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it reached a final agreement with Chinese officials allowing the U.S. to begin exporting beef to China.
In September 2016, the process was started to end the ban on U.S. beef that began in 2003. In April, 39 Senators signed a letter to President Trump asking him to prioritize reopening China’s market to U.S. beef in his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It was announced in early May that an agreement was reached to open Chinese markets to U.S. beef no later than July 16, 2017.