U.S. Grains Council Commends Administration’s Movement on Colombia FTA

Colombia has traditionally been the United States’ fifth-largest market for coarse grains exports, with more than 80 percent market share. That position has eroded almost 70 percent in the last three years.

5/5/2011 --- The U.S. Grains Council commends the Administration’s move forward on technical discussions with Congress on the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement draft implementing bill and draft Statement of Administrative Action. Today’s announcement will establish a pathway for formal consideration of all three pending trade agreements, including South Korea and Panama.

“The U.S. Grains Council cannot overstate the importance of these agreements as Colombia, Panama and South Korea are a strategic markets with exceptional growth potential for U.S. feed grains and co-products,” stated USGC Chairman Terry Vinduska. “We are particularly encouraged by the news on Colombia. This development is conducive to conclusions of other critical trade legislation, including the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act and the Andean Trade Preferences Act. Equally important, it sends a strong signal about the U.S. commitment to a robust trade agenda that enhances our credibility with global trade partners.”

Colombia has traditionally been the United States’ fifth-largest market for coarse grains exports, with more than 80 percent market share. That position has eroded almost 70 percent in the last three years due to preferential tariffs enjoyed by Brazil and Argentina through the Mercosur agreement. This decline has occurred despite the closer proximity of the United States and its freight transportation advantage.

“Ratification of the U.S.-Colombia agreement will eliminate the tariff constraints and price band system that has eroded the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural exports of corn and other feed grains. It will level the playing field to recover and grow this important market,” said Vinduska.

The Council has worked closely with the Colombian feed, livestock and poultry industries to build capacity and increase efficiency to utilize U.S. coarse grain products. U.S. producers gained their trust as a long-term, reliable supplier that provides consistent quality products.

“Ratification of the agreement will solidify the Council’s ongoing efforts to enhance Colombia’s ability to meet the needs of their growing middle class and supply high-quality protein products at low cost to their consumers,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Region.