June 10, 2010

The US pork industry has called for the swift ratification of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to help US producers, according to reports.

Last year the US exported US$4.3 billion adding US$38 to the value of each pig that was marketed, said Don Butler, past president of the National Pork Producers' Council (NPPC).

However, producers were still losing about US$24 per head, he added.

"For the industry to remain viable and prosper it needs to trade and the best way is through free trade agreements," said past president of the National Pork Producers' Council Don Butler

He added that the NPPC is backing President Obama's drive for exports and he called for the FTAs that are on file to be ratified immediately.

He said that through trade with Colombia and Panama a small amount would be added to the US pork producers' income, but South Korea could add around US$10 a head.

Korea has an FTA with Chile and one pending with Europe, which both threatened US exports.

While the reopening of the Chinese market after a year-long ban over H1N1 influenza offered long term prospects for the US pork producers, South Korea offers strong medium term rewards if the FTA is ratified soon, he said

However, he warned that if the FTAs were not ratified, then the export markets might be lost forever as other countries came in to take their place.