U.S. SENATE– U.S. Senator Steve Daines today celebrated a major step forward towards finalization of a U.S. trade agreement with Japan.
To download the full video statement, click HERE.
“Today’s announcement is a big win for Montana ag and jobs, and a major step forward for opening critical markets for our producers,” Daines said. “It has been a privilege to be the voice of Montana’s farmers and ranchers during trade negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. I’m happy to see President Trump and Prime Minister Abe announce they reached a deal that will help level the playing field for Montana farmers and ranchers. I look forward to seeing the final agreement signed in the coming weeks.”
When implemented, Montana farmers and ranchers will be able to compete on a level-playing field with Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) competitors in selling to the Japanese market.
Key benefits to Montana:
- Reduce tariffs on products such as fresh and frozen beef and pork (from 38.5% to 27.6% and eventually 9% by 2033)
- Provide a country-specific quota for wheat and wheat products
- Reduce the mark-up on imported U.S. wheat and barley
For the U.S.-Japan joint statement, click HERE. For more information click HERE and HERE.
Background:
Daines has been active voice for Montana’s ag priorities with Japan and Asia.
In mid-June, Daines questioned U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on U.S. agriculture exports to Japan.
In early March, Daines in U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing urged United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to advance and finalize trade agreements with Japan and China to put Montana farmers and ranchers on a level playing field in the global stage.
On April 24, 2018, U.S. Senator Steve Daines pressed USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to support reconsidering the Trans-Pacific Partnership and that the TPP would benefit U.S. and Montana agriculture. Secretary Perdue agreed and has urged the President to reconsider TPP.
On April 12, 2018, at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Steve Daines voiced the concerns of Montana farmers and ranchers to the President by urging the President to expand access to markets critical to the agriculture community.
On February 16, 2018, Daines led 25 senators in sending a letter to President Trump urging the President to act on his recent statements expressing interest in considering an improved TPP.
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