Sen. Harkin Praises China's Decision To Lift Ban On U.S. Pork Imports

November 5, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement today after receiving news that U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that China intends to re-open the Chinese market to United States pork products and live swine.

“Today’s announcement is great news for pork producers in Iowa – and across the country – who are struggling because of greatly depressed pork prices, a weak economy and unfair export trade restrictions. I commend Secretary Vilsack, Trade Representative Kirk and the Obama Administration for working with the Chinese government to lift the unfair barriers that had been placed against the importation of U.S. pork products,” said Harkin. “All scientific evidence has shown that there is no risk of contracting the H1N1 virus from pork products, and I am pleased that the Chinese government has looked to the facts and realized that there is no justification for imposing import bans on pork.

Article continues below...

China had been one of the largest importing countries of U.S. pork products and reopening trade is a significant shot in the arm for pork producers in Iowa, as well as our state’s overall economy.”
After the initial outbreak of the H1N1 virus earlier this year, several countries including China banned the importation of U.S. pork, asserting the incorrect claim that the virus could be transmitted by pork. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Harkin sent letters to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging them to step up more assertive action to lift unfounded and damaging trade barriers that other countries had thrown up against U.S. pork products. Additionally, on May 5, Harkin joined a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Barack Obama asking his help to combat unfounded concerns that were impeding pork trade in domestic and export markets.

Source: Senator Tom Harkin