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NCBA urges U.S. Trade Officials to hold Brazil accountable for unfair practices

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association wants Brazil to be held accountable for its trade barriers to U.S. beef exports. Kent Bacus, executive director of government affairs, says the Brazilian government’s policies are negatively impacting U.S. agriculture.  “Brazil has had unilateral access to the US market,” he says.  “They’ve been able to absorb any minimal tariffs that are possible.”

Bacus was one of several people to testify at the recent Section 301 investigation hearing regarding Brazil’s trade practices that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative held. 

He tells Brownfield the administration’s efforts are a good first step. “The fact that President Trump has increased that reciprocal tariff to 50%, they now really face a 76.4% tariff is something that NCBA strongly supports and something we’ve been advocating for,” He says. 

But, Bacus says the move doesn’t go far enough. “NCBA has been calling for the suspension of Brazilian imports so that we can confirm what their government has been telling us about their food safety and animal health track record,” he says. “Unfortunately, with the Brazilians, what they tell us and their actions are not aligned.”

Bacus says a thorough audit and inspection are needed to ensure Brazil can meet the U.S. food safety and animal health standards.

A Section 301 investigation refers to a specific policy under the Trade Act of 1974 that is used to address unfair foreign trade policies that harm U.S. Commerce.  USTR launched its investigation in mid-July. 

AUDIO: Kent Bacus, NCBA