Vilsack Hopeful on China Trade Prospects

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week wrapped up talks with Chinese government officials aimed at removing barriers to U.S. agricultural trade, according to American Shipper magazine.

The talks were part of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).

Vilsack said Chinese government leaders said they would move quickly to review the 11 agricultural biotechnology issues pending approval and continue to discuss the possibility of importing more beef.

In the past decade, China has become the fastest-growing and highest-value export destination for U.S. farm and food products. The value of ag exports to the country has tripled during that time.

In fiscal year 2015, U.S. agriculture and related exports to China totaled $25.9 billion, or about 16% of all U.S. agricultural exports,the USDA said.

But the relationship is uniquely challenging because “U.S. exports are limited by Chinese policies that promote agricultural self-sufficiency and protect domestic industries.

“China's lack of regulatory transparency, inconsistent product review and approval processes, and erratic distribution of import quotas all distort trade and create uncertainty for U.S. exporters,” the USDA said.

China, like many countries, closed its borders to U.S. beef products after the USDA confirmed a case of mad cow disease in December 2003. Many countries have since re-established trade in U.S. beef.

In 2006, China agreed to accept imports of U.S. beef, but only boneless products from cows younger than 30-months-old, the American Shipper reported. S