WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement after President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a trade agreement between the United States and Japan.
“I applaud the Trump administration for its swift action from announcement to signing of this important trade agreement,” said Chairman Roberts. “I’m optimistic that this agreement will allow our farmers and ranchers to successfully compete in this critically important agriculture market. I know my home state of Kansas especially has much to gain from improved access in the U.S. beef, pork, sorghum and wheat sectors.”
“The U.S. has been at a disadvantage with other countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and this is a positive step towards restoring desperately needed market access. I look forward to this agreement entering into force in the coming months.”
Japan is the third global market for U.S. agricultural exports with nearly $13 billion in exports in 2018.
In August, President Trump announced a trade agreement in principle between the United States and Japan.
In June, Chairman Roberts held a hearing to gain insight from the Trump Administration on its trade efforts. Roberts urged officials to strengthen current trade agreements and aggressively seek new agreements with countries like Japan. Click here to read and watch Roberts’ opening statement, as well as the full hearing.
In May, an agreement was made between the U.S. and Japan to eliminate restrictions on U.S. beef exports.
In October 2018, Chairman Roberts visited Japan to discuss the importance of a trade agreement between the two countries. He met with Japanese officials and shared the United States’ commitment to remaining a reliable supplier, particularly of agricultural products.
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