Farmland’s Cleberg Weighs in for China Vote

April 27, 2000

H.D. (Harry) Cleberg, president and CEO, Farmland Industries, Inc., Kansas City, MO, says without permanent normal trade relations for China, the United States will have done nothing to reduce its trade deficit with Beijing and will have damaged its reputation as a reliable supplier to China and the world.

Cleberg made the remarks during a presentation to the U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission. "The best way to deal with the trade deficit," he said, "is to lower trade barriers to foreign markets for American agricultural products, goods and services."

To reduce the trade deficit with China, Congress needs to approve PNTR with China which would allow the United States to benefit from China’s accession to the World Trade Organization. "The potential here to access the world’s most populous nation is incredible, but this will not be realized until Congress approves permanent normal trade relations," said Cleberg.

"China will become a member of the WTO with or without the United States. Our choice is if we want to enjoy these favorable terms or if we want to hand this market over to our competitors."