United’s Guenther calls for ‘trade equilibrium,’ urges Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority
United’s Guenther calls for ‘trade equilibrium,’ urges Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority
WASHINGTON — Congress must reinstate “trade equilibrium” by enacting Trade Promotion Authority to quickly pass new trade agreements, so U.S. fruit and vegetable companies can break down the growing number of non-tariff trade barriers, Robert Guenther, United Fresh Produce Association’s senior vice president for public policy, testified March 18 on Capitol Hill.
With shipments to the United States tripling in recent years, U.S. trade policies need to be put exports on an even keel, Guenther told members of a House Agriculture Committee.
“Exports of commodities such as apples, pears, peaches, citrus and potatoes to countries including [South] Korea and Mexico have been limited due to non-tariff barriers, among other examples,” he said.
Future trade deals should be based on sound science that break down artificial trade barriers and ensure there’s a dispute settlement process that can resolve these issues quickly.
Guenther praised the recent announcement that China will open its door to all U.S. apple varieties, an example of how the fresh produce industry benefits from trade opportunities. Other trade deals can boost the industry.
“For example, the National Potato Council estimates that adoption of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement could increase fresh potato exports to Mexico by nearly $150 million a year, up from the current level of $39 million,” he said.
Guenther urged Congress to pass TPA, which would allow only an up-or-down vote on trade deals, to strengthen the hand of U.S. officials and help them negotiate the best trade deals with European and Asia-Pacific countries.
House Agriculture Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) said TPA is key to inking the massive trade deals and helping U.S. farmers and ranchers.
“If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to gain access to markets for American food and fiber products, other countries will fill that demand,” he said. “That is why it is time to pass TPA.”
