Senate Western Caucus applauds end of ban on U.S. beef imports to China
by Senate Western Caucus media release
June 13, 2017
U.S. SENATE — The Senate Western Caucus, chaired by U.S. Senator Steve Daines, today (Monday, June 12, 2017) applauded the end of the 13-year ban on U.S. beef imports to China.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT): "For the first time in 13 years, Montana beef will now be served on menus, plates and in Chinese households. China is the world’s second largest beef market. After my two official trade missions to Beijing, including pressing the Chinese Premier and endless conversations with the Trump and Obama administrations – the ban is over. Montanans know U.S. beef is the highest quality in the world and now our producers can compete on a level playing field. On my next trip to Beijing I look forward to seeing Montana beef on the menu."
U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY): "This is a huge step forward for American producers who have been shut out of the market for more than a decade. After recently traveling to China to meet with Chinese Premier Li on this issue, I’m pleased he worked with the Trump administration to make this a reality. Ranchers in Wyoming will now have access to a larger market to sell our high-quality American beef."
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY): "One of the world’s largest markets is now open for Wyoming beef business. We are proud of our Wyoming ranchers. The opportunity to export our beef to over a billion people in China could make a real difference for those around the Cowboy state."
On May 12, 2017, an agreement was reached to open Chinese markets to U.S. beef no later than July 16, 2017.
On April 5, 2017, 39 Senators signed a letter to President Donald J. Trump asking him to prioritize reopening China’s market to U.S. beef in his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
On September 22, 2016, the process was started to end the ban on U.S. beef that began in 2003.
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