USDA presses China to drop phytosanitary restrictions on soybeans

USDA presses China to drop phytosanitary restrictions on soybeans    U.S. Agriculture Security Ann M. Veneman pressed her Chinese counterpart in Washington this week to drop “unjustified” phytosanitary restrictions placed upon U.S. soybean shipments.
   China has rapidly become the largest export destination for U.S. soybeans. Sales have surpassed $1.7 billion this year alone.
   The talks also resulted in a memorandum of understanding between the countries to promote continued bilateral cooperation in scientific research and agricultural trade.
   China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001 and has become the United States’ fifth-largest market for agricultural exports. “However, we believe China has not fully complied with its commitments, and we urge it do so,” Veneman said.
   China’s Agriculture Minister Du Qingling visit to Washington marks the first time in 10 years that a Chinese agriculture minister has visited the United States.
   For a complete review of the new U.S./China agriculture MOU, access online: https://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/rsed/china/0803mou.htm.