Pork Producers See China Pact as `Monumental Opportunity'

February 11, 2000

National Pork Producers Council past President John Hardin believes the U.S.-China trade agreement on agriculture is a "monumental opportunity" for the pork industry. China consumes more pork than any country in the world, and consumption is expanding, he adds.

Harkin spoke Thursday at a "permanent normal trade relations" meeting at the White House. "Even a modest increase in Chinese pork consumption would amount to twice the total 1998 U.S. pork exports," said Hardin.

"Virtually every other sector of American agriculture will benefit similarly from this landmark agreement," he added. "But to get the complete benefits of the...deal, Congress must pass permanent normal trade relations for China. That's why we've formed the Agriculture Coalition for U.S.-China Trade. We are 80 organizations and growing that include agricultural producers, farm and food groups, producers of the tools of agricultural production, trade associations and companies in all 50 states."

U.S. agriculture "is totally committed to getting permanent normal trade relations through Congress this year. And the sooner the better," Hardin said.

At a news conference Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) said NTR for China would a "major fight" this year. "Formidable foes" of NTR will come to Washington and "take no prisoners." It would be advantageous if agricultural interests "play as vigorously" as opponents, such as labor, will play, he added.

The Senate and House leadership of both parties want the issue resolved as quickly as possible, said Combest, and he said the April-May time frame as the best opportunity to bring up NTR for China. If the process goes beyond mid-summer, he added, it's likely not to be considered.