Feenstra, Murphy Ask Biden Administration to Secure Fair Market Access for American Pork in South Africa
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Greg Murphy (R-NC) led a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai over reports that South America is unlawfully restricting market access for American pork.
Iowa and North Carolina rank first and second, respectively, in pork production nationwide.
“Pork production is a vital economic engine for our producers and our rural communities. In Fiscal Year 2022, Iowa led the nation in pork exports, registering at over $2.7 billion. However, due to inflation, burdensome regulations, and other costs, Iowa pork producers are facing major financial losses and market uncertainty. South Africa’s unfair treatment of American pork exports doesn’t help the situation at hand,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I’m working with Rep. Greg Murphy to urge the Biden administration to support Iowa hog farmers and ensure that our pork products receive fair treatment in foreign markets in accordance with our trade laws. Representing the top pork-producing district in the nation, I will continue to work with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee to secure fair market access for Iowa pork not only in South Africa, but also across the globe.”
“Eastern North Carolina is home to many of America’s greatest pork producers who work tirelessly to feed America,” said Rep. Murphy, M.D. “Foreign markets are important to our pork industry especially as they face increased operating costs and regulations. The United States and South Africa have long enjoyed a friendly trade relationship. Unfortunately, the country is not allowing adequate market access for American pork. I encourage Ambassador Tai to engage with her South African counterparts to address this issue.”
“The U.S. pork industry exports over 25% of our annual production, accounting for $64 of value of every hog marketed,” said Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council. “We can increase the $8 billion of exports seen in 2023 if we remove barriers and expand access. All parties can benefit from AGOA if South Africa and other AGOA trading partners provide reciprocal benefits for U.S. goods. U.S. pork producers greatly appreciate Rep. Murphy and Rep. Feenstra for leading efforts to ensure reasonable and equitable market access for U.S. exports.”
The lawmakers opened their letter saying, “We write to express our concern with restrictions by the Government of South Africa that deny U.S. pork products equitable and reasonable market access. We urge you raise these issues in your bilateral conversations with the South African Government and consider them as you conduct the ongoing African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) annual review process. Further, as Congress considers renewal of AGOA, we stand ready to work with you to ensure the USTR has effective tools available to enforce equitable, science-based treatment for U.S. pork exports to South Africa,”
The full letter can be found HERE.
###