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Free trade agreements gaining momentum

The push to approve free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama appears to be gaining momentum.

Administration officials have notified Congress that they are ready to begin talks on passage of all three FTA’s.  The announcement came after Colombia  reportedly complied with the first stage of an action plan to improve labor rights in that country.

At the same time, the White House pledged to seek talks with South Korea over lifting remaining restrictions on U.S. beef imports after the Korea trade pact is passed.  That move was aimed at winning support for the Korea deal from Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus of Montana, who has pushed hard to lift Korea’s ban on beef from cattle older than 30 months. 

Baucus responded by announcing his support for the Korea FTA.

Ag and commodity organizations are applauding the administration’s efforts to move the agreements forward. 

The U.S. Grains Council says it is particularly encouraged by the news on Colombia.  “It sends a strong signal about the U.S. commitment to a robust trade agenda that enhances our credibility with global trade partners,” said USGC chairman Terry Vinduska.

The president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Bill Donald, says he is encouraged by the news. “It is great that the United States is getting off the sidelines and back into the game of expanding trade opportunities for U.S. products,” he said.