October 5 - TPP Agreement Announced

Trans-Pacific Partnership Ministers’ Statement

We, the trade ministers of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam, are pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded the Trans-Pacific Partnership. After more than five years of intensive negotiations, we have come to an agreement that will support jobs, drive sustainable growth, foster inclusive development, and promote innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Most importantly, the agreement achieves the goal we set forth of an ambitious, comprehensive, high standard and balanced agreement that will benefit our nation’s citizens.

TPP brings higher standards to nearly 40 percent of the global economy. In addition to liberalizing trade and investment between us, the agreement addresses the challenges our stakeholders face in the 21st century, while taking into account the diversity of our levels of development.  We expect this historic agreement to promote economic growth, support higher-paying jobs; enhance innovation, productivity and competitiveness; raise living standards; reduce poverty in our countries; and to promote transparency, good governance, and strong labor and environmental protections.

To formalize the outcomes of the agreement, negotiators will continue technical work to prepare a complete text for public release, including the legal review, translation, and drafting and verification of the text.  We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on the specific features of this agreement and undergoing the domestic processes to put the agreement in place.



Statement by President Obama on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

I've spent every day of my presidency fighting to grow our economy and strengthen our middle class. That means making sure our workers have a fair shot to get ahead here at home, and a fair chance to compete around the world. My approach to trade has been guided by a unifying principle: leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses, so we can export more products stamped Made in America all over the world that support higher-paying American jobs here at home.

Over the summer, Democrats and Republicans in Congress came together to help the United States negotiate agreements for free and fair trade that would support our workers, our businesses, and our economy as a whole. When more than 95 percent of our potential customers live outside our borders, we can’t let countries like China write the rules of the global economy. We should write those rules, opening new markets to American products while setting high standards for protecting workers and preserving our environment.

That’s what the agreement reached today in Atlanta will do. Trade ministers from the 12 nations that make up the Trans-Pacific Partnership finished negotiations on an agreement that reflects America’s values and gives our workers the fair shot at success they deserve. 

This partnership levels the playing field for our farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes that various countries put on our products. It includes the strongest commitments on labor and the environment of any trade agreement in history, and those commitments are enforceable, unlike in past agreements. It promotes a free and open Internet. It strengthens our strategic relationships with our partners and allies in a region that will be vital to the 21st century. It’s an agreement that puts American workers first and will help middle-class families get ahead.

Once negotiators have finalized the text of this partnership, Congress and the American people will have months to read every word before I sign it. I look forward to working with lawmakers from both parties as they consider this agreement. If we can get this agreement to my desk, then we can help our businesses sell more Made in America goods and services around the world, and we can help more American workers compete and win.



Vilsack Comments on the Agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement following the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

"An agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations provides a more level playing field in trade for American farmers. The agreement would eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on our products and deter non-science based sanitary and phytosanitary barriers that have put American agriculture at a disadvantage in TPP countries in the past. Despite these past barriers, countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership currently account for up to 42 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports, totaling $63 billion. Thanks to this agreement and its removal of unfair trade barriers, American agricultural exports to the region will expand even further, particularly exports of meat, poultry, dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, cotton and processed products.

"Increased demand for American agricultural products and expanded agricultural exports as a result of this agreement will support stronger commodity prices and increase farm income. Increased exports under TPP will create more good paying export-related jobs, further strengthening the rural economy. Today, agricultural trade supports more than 1 million jobs here at home and contributes a trade surplus year after year to our nation's economy. All of this activity benefits rural communities and keeps American agriculture on the cutting edge of global commerce. The TPP agreement will contribute to the future strength of American agriculture and helps to ensure that the historic agricultural trade gains achieved under President Obama since 2009 will continue.

"The TPP agreement would not be possible without the extraordinary efforts of the negotiating team at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, assisted by the dedicated staff of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and the Office of the Chief Economist. I'd also like to thank the formal trade advisors and experts from agricultural commodity groups who provided valuable market information and creative proposals to better inform U.S. negotiators. Collectively, their efforts have led to a strong deal for American agriculture.

"Failing to grasp this opportunity would be a mistake: worse than just losing out on potential gains, our producers would fall behind other countries that are negotiating their own preferential arrangements in TPP countries. We are committed to working with Congress within the framework of the recently-passed Trade Promotion Authority to obtain a strong bipartisan understanding of and support for this historic trade deal that benefits farmers, ranchers, and all those who live, work and raise families in rural communities."



Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

The Nebraska Cattlemen is extremely pleased to learn the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations successfully concluded today in Atlanta, GA. NC President, and Friend, Nebraska cattleman Dave McCracken said this agreement will boost U.S. and Nebraska exports and eliminate trade barriers.

“U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman visited Nebraska in April. He shared his unwavering conviction for the need for TPP, which will immediately reduce tariffs and level the playing field for U.S. beef exports to these growing markets,” said McCracken. “The membership of the Nebraska Cattlemen thanks Ambassador Froman for his dedication in this negotiation. High quality beef exports from Nebraska currently equate to 2,700 head per day marketed to consumers outside the borders of the U.S. TPP is a major win not only for the Nebraska beef industry, but for all U.S. export products - growing the U.S. economy and supporting jobs and investments in agriculture and technology.”

Beef exports are currently worth over $350 per head of cattle sold in the U.S. With TPP, Nebraska Cattlemen looks forward to increased demand and growth for beef exports to the Pacific Rim. Through the partnership agreement with these 11 nations, beef producers are able to secure the best terms possible to address tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to beef exports, far surpassing what would have been possible via individual country arrangements.



NeFBF on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Deal
Steve Nelson, President, NE Farm Bureau

“The completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement is welcomed news to Nebraska farm and ranch families.”

“While we are in the process of evaluating this specific agreement, we are hopeful this agreement will successfully help eliminate tariffs put on our farm products by foreign countries allowing us to significantly expand our trade opportunities with TPP partnered countries. The TPP offers tremendous opportunities as TPP member nations represent 40 percent of the world’s economy, many of which are key targets for expansion of Nebraska agriculture products.”

“International trade remains critical to Nebraska, particularly at a time when agricultural economy has softened and prices for agricultural commodities have fallen significantly over the past two years. We are hopeful this deal will bolster Nebraska’s export opportunities and help keep Nebraska’s economy strong.”



Nebraska Farmers Union Strongly Opposes Proposed Flawed TPP Over Failure to Address Currency Manipulation

John Hansen, President of Nebraska Farmers Union, a former USTR trade advisor for 14 years under Presidents Clinton, George W. Bush, and Obama issued the following statement on behalf of his organization:

“The recently finalized Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will perform in a manner consistent with the other cookie cutter agreements the U.S. has agreed to since Congress approved NAFTA in 1993.  Instead of remedying the structural shortfalls in past agreements relative to currency manipulation, TPP amplifies those weaknesses.”

“Unlike when NAFTA was considered, Congress has twenty years of data to use to evaluate the U.S. trade policy performance.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division, since 1994, our nation has averaged an annual balance of trade deficit of $428.69 billion while digging a $9 trillion balance of trade cumulative deficit by ignoring the real world impacts of currency manipulation and the disparities caused by VATs (Value Added Taxes).  The 2014  U.S. trade deficit was $504.7 billion, which represents 3% of our nation’s GNP.  If we had balanced trade, our economy would be growing at twice the rate it is currently.  Not once since 1994 has the U.S. balance of trade been close to breaking even.  How bad does it have to get before Congress stops digging the trade deficit hole our country is in deeper?”

“We know what the problem is, yet USTR has failed to come to grips with the widely understood problem of currency manipulation.  The TPP is structurally similar to NAFTA, and will produce similar damage to our U.S. manufacturing, labor, and agricultural sectors.  Our nation can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to currency manipulation.  The USTR will not deal with currency manipulation as long as Congress continues to rubber stamp trade agreements that fail to deal with currency manipulation.  As a result, in the strategic economic interests of our nation, it should be rejected.”

“Agricultural interests will not be well served with this agreement.  Like all previous agreements, TPP dangles the prospect and promise of new markets is used to get everyone’s hopes up to secure ag based support, yet when the trade data comes in, food and ag imports increase at a faster rate than food and ag exports. As in most ventures, past experience is the best guide to future performance.”



Ricketts Comments on the Successful Conclusion of TPP Negotiations

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following the announcement of the successful conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

“I am pleased the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations have come to a successful resolution.  Initial reports indicate the agreement will result in tariffs being eliminated or significantly reduced for a large number of our most important agricultural products from Nebraska.

“On my recent trade mission to Japan, companies expressed optimism about increasing imports from Nebraska upon the successful passage of TPP.  I look forward to reviewing agreement details and learning more about specific benefits to Nebraska.  I am hopeful the final agreement will be acceptable, so that Congress can quickly ratify it.” 

Exports are a vital component of Nebraska’s economic success, with $7.9 billion in goods exported in 2014.  According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, 60 percent of Nebraska goods exported in 2014 were headed to TPP partners.



 Smith Statement on Conclusion of TPP Negotiations

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced the conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

“I have consistently supported efforts to achieve the best possible TPP agreement for Nebraska producers and consumers.  The next step in the process requires an extended period of public review before the President can present the trade agreement to Congress for a vote.  It is vital we take this opportunity to review the agreement in full and listen to the views of stakeholders.”



Northey on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement regarding the announcement of a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement today.  An article from Agri-Pulse with more information about the agreement can be found here.

“We are still trying to understand all the details in the agreement, but any deal that reduces the tariffs faced by agriculture products will greatly benefit Iowa’s farmers.  Many of the countries that are part of the agreement need the grain and meat we produce.  The agreement will reduce trade barriers on those products and allow Iowa ag products to compete on a level playing field.  Our farmers and farm organizations have worked hard to promote trade in many of the countries that a part of TPP and as a result our state is well placed to benefit from additional market access,” Northey said.



NPPC Confident TPP Deal Good For U.S. Pork

The National Pork Producers Council expressed confidence that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement negotiators concluded in Atlanta will benefit all sectors of the U.S. economy and will provide enormous new market opportunities for high-quality American pork products.

The TPP, initiated in late 2008, is a regional trade deal that includes the United States, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, which account for nearly 40 percent of global GDP.

“NPPC played an active role throughout the five-plus years of negotiations,” said association President Dr. Ron Prestage, “providing U.S. negotiators with key information on barriers we face in the 11 other TPP countries and offering guidance on outcomes that would ensure substantial new market access benefits for U.S. pork in those markets.”

Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, who said a final TPP agreement could be “the most important commercial opportunity ever for U.S. pork producers,” estimated that a good outcome for pork in the trade pact could increase U.S. pork exports over time exponentially and help create more than 10,000 U.S. jobs tied to those exports. Last year, the U.S. pork industry shipped about $4.5 billion of products to the 11 TPP nations.

U.S. trade analysts concluded that a TPP agreement that achieves the goals set by Congress and the Obama administration should help level the playing field for U.S. exports in a region that is the fastest growing in the world but where tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. goods are significant. It also should ensure that U.S. products are competitive in the region vis-à-vis products from non-TPP countries.

Past U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs), which have substantially reduced or eliminated trade barriers, demonstrate the importance to the U.S. pork industry of opening foreign markets, Prestage pointed out. Those deals have increased U.S. pork exports by 1,550 percent in value and 1,268 percent in volume since 1989 – the year the United States began using bilateral and regional trade agreements to open foreign markets – and now are valued at nearly $6.7 billion.

Last year, exports represented more than a quarter of total U.S. pork production and added more than $62 to the price pork producers received for each hog marketed. They also helped generate an estimated 110,000 pork-related U.S. jobs. The United States now exports more pork to its 20 FTA partners than to the rest of the world combined.

“We look forward to reviewing the full text of the TPP agreement and the schedules of market access concessions as soon as possible,” said Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C. “We are reserving final judgment on the package until then.”

While the recently concluded agreement should be a boon to U.S. exporters to the region, the TPP has the potential to provide even greater trade benefits if and when it is opened to additional countries, such as The Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, all of which have expressed interest in joining the Pacific Rim trade bloc.



NCBA Applauds Conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has learned that the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations have successfully concluded today in Atlanta. NCBA President and Chugwater, Wyo., cattleman, Philip Ellis said this agreement will boost U.S. exports and eliminate trade barriers.

“While the full details of the partnership will not be released until the President presents it to Congress, cattle producers are assured this is a true 21st century agreement,” said Ellis. “The TPP will immediately reduce tariffs and level the playing field for U.S. beef exports to these growing markets. TPP is a major win not only for the beef industry, but for all U.S. export products, growing the economy while supporting jobs and investments in agriculture and technology.”

Beef exports currently add over $350 to each head of cattle sold in the U.S. With the completion of this work, NCBA looks forward to increased demand and growth for beef exports across the Pacific Rim. Through the partnership process with these 11 other nations, beef producers were able to secure the best deal possible to address tariff and non-tariff trade barriers to beef exports, surpassing individual country arrangements.



USMEF Statement on Completion of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

The U. S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) thanks the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and other U.S. officials for their tireless efforts to complete these complex and difficult negotiations. We look forward to examining the red meat trade provisions agreed to in Atlanta and discussing them in detail with USMEF members.



AFBF on the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Bob Stallman, AFBF President

"The Trans-Pacific Partnership has promised to open restricted markets for American business around the Pacific Rim. The American Farm Bureau Federation looks forward to reviewing the details of the agreement reached today to guarantee it fulfills that promise for the nation's farmers and ranchers."

We hope the agreement will bring a more level playing field for farmers and ranchers by reducing tariffs and removing non-science based barriers to trade. The agreement covers markets that are expected to grow rapidly for decades to come. We expect to see increased access for our agricultural products, particularly some meats.

"We commend U.S. Trade Representative Froman and Chief Agricultural Negotiator Vetter for their longstanding support and determination to reach an agreement. Now it is up to us to figure out exactly what we have and how we should work with Congress to improve international market opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers through the Trans-Pacific Partnership."



NCGA Statement on Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

The following is a statement from National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling, a farmer from Newburg, Maryland, regarding today’s announcement about the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

“NCGA is pleased that an agreement has been reached in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. We are hopeful that this agreement continues the tradition of past free trade agreements, which have had a positive impact for America’s farmers and ranchers. In the coming weeks, we will carefully examine the agreement to determine whether it is in the best interests of America’s corn farmers. The Asia-Pacific region represents 40 percent of the world’s economy, a huge opportunity for American agriculture. The United States Trade Representative has promised a high-standard, comprehensive, and meaningful trade agreement. When the full text of the agreement is released, we will review it to ensure this is the case. NCGA is committed to fair and open trade policies that give farmers greater access to markets and level the global playing field.”



American Soybean Association Welcomes Finalization of Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Following news out of Atlanta that negotiators from the 12 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) nations have reached a final agreement, the American Soybean Association (ASA), which represents growers of the nation’s top agricultural export commodity, applauded the achievement and promised a careful review of the agreement’s specifics over the coming days. ASA President Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas, issued the following statement:

“ASA applauds trade ministers from the 12 nations that make up the Trans-Pacific Partnership for concluding an agreement that is intended to create more opportunities, economic growth, and jobs. Over half of the soybeans produced by American farmers are exported overseas, and export markets are extremely important to our domestic livestock customers as well. This trade agreement has the potential to increase agricultural exports to new markets and to allow U.S. farmers to better compete in existing markets. From the outset of these negotiations, ASA has been supportive of a TPP that expands the access of American soybean farmers to our customers overseas. From the statements made by our negotiators, it appears that the agreement will eliminate tariffs and other market access barriers in most markets, and substantially increase access in remaining markets. We are optimistic that soybeans, soybean products, and the livestock products produced by our customers all will fare well in the TPP agreement when specific details are revealed. ASA plans to carefully read the terms of the agreement to ensure that soybean farmers as well as livestock producers, which represent a substantial market for soy products, are getting a fair deal before rendering a final judgment on the TPP agreement; everything that we’ve seen and heard thus far makes us feel very positive. ASA thanks the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials who have been working tirelessly on behalf of U.S. farmer throughout the TPP process.”



Long-Running Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks Conclude: Dairy Industry to Analyze Details

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council noted the conclusion today of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations and thanked the U.S. negotiators for their work. NMPF and USDEC leadership and staff have attended the talks in Atlanta this week, which kicked off with a chief negotiators meeting on September 26 before shifting into a Ministerial on September 30. Both organizations have been providing input and guidance to negotiators throughout the duration of the regional trade pact.

As expected, details of the agreement were not immediately available. Transparency requirements under the Trade Promotion Authority legislation passed by Congress earlier this year, however, require the full text of the agreement to be released shortly. NMPF and USDEC will carefully review the agreement’s dairy provisions in the coming days.

The organizations expressed deep appreciation to the numerous members of Congress who have conveyed the importance of a successful dairy market access outcome during the years of negotiation, but in particular, during the closing negotiations this week.



USGC Applauds Completion of TPP Negotiations

A statement from U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight on completion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks, announced Monday:

"We are very pleased to hear of the overall agreement coming out of the TPP negotiations in Atlanta and appreciate the negotiators' continued work to strike a deal.

"Open, liberalized trade of goods and services is vital to the prosperity of the United States, including U.S. agriculture, and our trading partners around the world. We fundamentally believe that reducing the range of barriers to open trade will benefit not just the grain industry that we represent but also the overseas customers that we have sought to serve for more than 50 years.

"Our priorities in these talks have been focused on the broad goal of securing increased market access for U.S. grains and ethanol and ensuring that existing access remains open. That means lasting tariff relief, sanitary and phytosanitary provisions that will reduce the impact of non-tariff barriers, and meaningful global progress on the synchronous approval of biotech events.

"In 2014, the United States exported more than $6 billion in corn and corn co-products to the TPP region out of a world total of $11.4 billion. A TPP agreement is expected to increase the output of all grain exports from the United States by 11 percent.

"With these facts in mind, we look forward to working with our partners to evaluate the agreement produced by the negotiators, provide our best judgment on its merits and explain its benefits to our members that will inspire their support for the ratification process. As we dig into the details of the agreement for grains and ethanol, we do so with expectation about the huge potential of markets that offer 800 million customers with a combined GDP of $28 trillion."



U.S. Wheat Industry Comments on Conclusion of TPP Negotiations

U. S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are pleased that negotiators have reached an agreement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“Asia is a growing regional market and this agreement has the potential to increase economic opportunity and wheat demand even in countries where we already have duty free access,” said USW President Alan Tracy. “That is critically important because our competitors like Australia are moving ahead with bilateral agreements that eliminate tariffs on wheat imports with countries like Vietnam. The high standards in the TPP agreement should help us be more competitive and hopefully lead to even more opportunity for our wheat as new countries join TPP in the future.”

“Trade agreements are essential for U.S. wheat farmers with more than 50 percent of our crop heading overseas. Concluding TPP negotiations is a step in the right direction. My fellow farmer-leaders and I look forward to reviewing the final text and working with Congress to determine how this will impact U.S. wheat farmers,” commented NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash.

USW and NAWG thank Ambassador Froman and the entire U.S. team focused on agricultural issues for their leadership and hard work in concluding these important TPP negotiations.



AFIA Applauds Completion of TPP Negotiations
                                       
The American Feed Industry Association today thanks the United States Trade Representative Michael Froman for his leadership and dedication throughout the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, a process that took more than half of a decade.

"Trade agreements, which eliminate trade barriers overseas, play a critical role in the future of the feed industry as it opens doors to new markets globally. This is particularly important as the future growth of the U.S. animal agriculture industry depends on international consumers, particularly, the growing population and middle class," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman. "TPP has the ability to ensure and create U.S. jobs, along with economically stronger rural communities."

Newman said the next step for AFIA is to review the final TPP text when it is released.

AFIA has been active in TPP and other trade agreement negotiations, including standing behind Trade Promotion Authority--signed into law in June--to make TPP and potentially the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership possible. The trade association is also a member of the Trade Benefits America Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 275 associations, businesses and agricultural groups.



NFU Vigorously Opposes TPP Without Currency Manipulation Enforcement

The following statement was released in response to the agreement finalizing the Trans-Pacific Partnership made between the United States and 11 other Pacific Rim nations. The statement should be attributed to National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson:

“Just as we feared, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is moving forward without any meaningful language addressing one of the chief tools used by our trade competitors to ensure the playing field is never fair: currency manipulation.

“Because of this, NFU will continue to vigorously oppose this agreement and urge Congress to reject this deal as well. Gains that may have been made in the agreement to ensure fairness and equity in trade for America’s family farmers and ranchers are likely to be lost due to currency manipulation.

“Any deal that lacks tough language against currency manipulation is not worth the paper it’s written on.”