Page 24 - Export or Bust eBook

Also, if the U.S. dumps NAFTA, there is potential loss

of Mexican sales to competitors. The EU and Mexico

have already reached an agreement that is designed

to increase trade by making many goods duty-
free. USW’s director of public policy Ben Conner

explains that Japan will phase down its import markup
of $150 a metric ton in nine years to $85 a ton – a $65
reduction per ton – but only for TPP members such as
Canada and Australia. U.S. exports won’t get that
relief. “We already sell premium wheat,”
accounting for about half of Japan’s wheat imports,
he said, but “we’re going to be much more
expensive” and thus lose market share in Japan.

Agricultural exports from the EU will benefit the most

from the agreement, the EU said. Specifically, the new

Ben Conner, USW pact will provide preferential access for
many cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort;

allow the EU to substantially increase its pork exports

to Mexico, with duty-free trade for virtually all pork products; and ensure that Mexico not allow

imitations of 340 distinctive European foods and drink products in Mexico.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said the agreement “sends a strong message to other
partners that it is possible to modernize existing trade relations when both partners share a clear belief in
the merits of openness, and of free and fair trade."

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22 www.Agri-Pulse.com