Daines, Tester Lead Senators Asking Trump to Prioritize Opening China’s Markets to U.S. Beef

Daines, Tester Lead Senators Asking Trump to Prioritize Opening China’s Markets to U.S. Beef

39 Senators Sign Letter to President

U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester today led 37 Senators in a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking him to prioritize reopening China’s market to U.S. beef in his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.

“Opening this market to U.S. producers would create substantial opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the country as China has an import market in excess of $2.5 billion and is the second largest importer of beef in the world,” the Senators wrote. “The current environment of low commodity prices further emphasizes the significance of trade to U.S. farmers and ranchers and the beef industry overall.” 

The Senators also underscored the quality of U.S. beef and the importance of expanding trade opportunities to increase economic opportunity for farmers and ranchers.

“We are confident that given a level-playing field, U.S. farmers and ranchers can compete successfully and increase exports in any foreign market,” the Senators continued.

The letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Todd Young (R-IN), Al Franken (D-MN), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Mike Enzi (R-WY), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-WY), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Rob Portman (R-OH), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Joni K. Ernst (R-IA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Thune (R-SD), John Hoeven (R-ND), Luther Strange (R-AL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), James Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK).

The Senators’ letter was applauded by farmers and ranchers:

Errol Rice, Executive Vice President, Montana Stockgrowers Association: “The Montana Stockgrowers Association applauds the efforts being led, by Senator Daines and Senator Tester, urging President Trump to quickly resolve all hurdles, currently preventing Montana’s ranchers from shipping the nation’s highest quality beef to China’s 1.3 billion consumers.”

Nicole Rolf, National Affairs Director, Montana Farm Bureau Federation: “When China announced that they would lift their ban on U.S. beef, Montana ranchers were elated by what we hoped would lead to expanded export markets and corresponding price increases. However, these potential opportunities are yet to be realized. We thank the Senators for sending this letter and hope President Trump will take the opportunity to raise this important issue with President Xi.”

United States Cattlemen’s Association President Kenny Graner: “The United States Cattlemen’s Association appreciates the leadership of Senator Daines and Senator Tester in urging the reopening of China’s market to U.S. beef. Success in this arena is critical for U.S. cattle producers, as it will drive increased optimism in the cattle market.”

The Senators’ letter is available for download HERE.