Source: U.S. Wheat Associates news release
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) extend thanks to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for targeting the proposed Section 301 actions regarding Chinese maritime practices in ways that protect U.S. farm commodity export competitiveness.
We appreciate USTR's understanding of the impact the original proposals could have had on wheat growers and the grain trade. The uncertainty about the proposals was already causing problems for overseas customers, who were hesitant to make purchases with additional port fees looming.
"This move means a lot to farmers and customers around the world," said USW Chairman Clark Hamilton, a wheat farmer from Ririe, Idaho. "We want to thank them for their efforts to balance the need for action against these Chinese maritime practices with the potential for harm to our export competitiveness."
The U.S. wheat industry and its customers depend on ocean-going vessels, especially dry bulk carriers, and exports are vital to this sector. About half of the U.S. wheat crop is exported each year. The reconsideration of the proposal, which would have significantly increased export costs for U.S. wheat, is a welcome relief for our industry.
"Ocean shipping is critical for U.S. wheat growers to move their crops to market, and this step helps maintain our global competitiveness," said NAWG President Pat Clements.
Each part of the U.S. wheat industry is committed to working collaboratively with the administration to find remedies to address China's maritime dominance while also revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Again, USW and NAWG thank the USTR for considering concerns and feedback from the agricultural community and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the U.S. wheat industry remains competitive and economically viable.
About U.S. Wheat Associates
U.S. Wheat Associates' (USW) mission is to "develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat's profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers." USW activities in more than 100 countries are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 17 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. USW maintains 15 offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat food processors and government officials understand the quality, value and reliability of all six U.S. wheat classes. For more information, visit www.uswheat.org.
About the National Association of Wheat Growers
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America's growers, the industry, and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. NAWG's staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials, and the public.