05.12.17

Hoeven China to Import U.S. Beef, Natural Gas

Senator Pushed Administration to Reach Agreement to Export U.S. Beef, Working to Open Markets for U.S. Natural Gas

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it has reached an agreement to export U.S. beef and natural gas to China. Prior to the April meeting of President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Hoeven pressed the Administration to reach an agreement to allow U.S. beef into China. The senator has also been working to cut the red tape holding back the export of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), including at a meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry.

“The Commerce Department’s announcement that they have reached an agreement with China to open its markets to U.S. beef and natural gas is good news for North Dakota’s top industries – agriculture and energy,” said Hoeven. “Trade is vital to the success of our farmers and ranchers. China is the second largest importer of beef in the world, which is why it is so important that this market opens up to U.S. cattle producers. Additionally, opening up Chinese markets to U.S. natural gas will help to reduce flaring and create good jobs.” 

In addition to his efforts on U.S. beef and LNG, Hoeven has worked to expand access to foreign markets and ensure fair treatment for North Dakota’s industries, including: 

·        Serving as a member of the Senate-House Conference Committee that crafted the final farm bill of 2014, which directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create an undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Yesterday, USDA announced plans to create the position to help grow foreign markets for U.S. agriculture.

·        Backing the U.S. Trade Representative in bringing a compliance case against China in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Under its WTO obligations, China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion worth of additional U.S. wheat, corn and rice in 2015 alone.

·        Ensuring domestic honey producers receive all of the proceeds collected from settlements for unfair trade practices.

·        Lifting the ban on U.S. oil exports, which Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Appropriations Committees, worked to include in 2015’s year-end funding legislation.

Hoeven plays a key role in shaping the nation’s energy policy as a member of the Senate Energy Committee and agriculture policy as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee.  

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