Ag secretary Vilsack hopeful on China trade prospects

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said at the conclusion of the JCCT meeting Monday that China indicated it will review 11 biotechnology applications and continue the dialogue on U.S. beef.    U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wrapped up meetings Monday in Guangzhou with Chinese government officials to remove outstanding barriers to U.S. agricultural trade as part of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).
   “The government of China indicated today it would move quickly to review the 11 agricultural biotechnology events pending approval, and continue our dialogue on access for U.S. beef,” Vilsack said in a statement. “My hope is that over the next 30 to 60 days, these words are met with consistent action. We are committed to making serious and sustained progress on these issues and more as our relationship continues to grow.”
   Over the past decade, U.S. agricultural exports to China have risen sharply, making the country the fastest-growing and highest-value export destination for these U.S. products. In 2011, China surpassed Canada to become the top U.S. market and it has since retained that position.
   In fiscal year 2015, U.S. agriculture and related exports to China totaled $25.9 billion, or about 16 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
   USDA said there will be a “considerable increase” in China’s imports of coarse grains, soybeans, cotton, beef, and pork by 2024, and U.S. exports of horticultural goods, dairy, and alcoholic beverages to China are also on the rise.
   The value of U.S. agricultural exports to China has more than tripled during the last 10 years alone, reaching a record $29.6 billion in fiscal year 2014 before declining slightly in fiscal year 2015, USDA said.
   However, the USDA warned “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. This environment has prevented the United States from achieving its full potential in exports to China.”
   China, like many countries, closed its borders to U.S. beef products after the USDA confirmed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “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 under 30 months of age.