For instance, China imposes significant restrictions on pork imports through high tariffs, restrictive import licensing and complicated, arbitrary sanitary requirements. Under the agreement negotiated last fall, these restrictions will be phased out. I will benefit if the agreement with China is implemented and Congress grants permanent normal trade relations status for China. Based on analysis by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the average farmer's net income will increase by 7.7 percent because of increased trade with China. As a pork producer, I believe this agreement and permanent normal trade relations for China are critical.
Pork is the predominant source of meat protein consumed in China.
Indeed, China consumes more pork per capita than the United States. Most analysts project this demand for pork will grow by six to seven percent a year over the next several years. Increasing our exports of pork means more utilization of the corn we produce. This improves the price prospects for corn because of the higher domestic use and reduces the pressure on the federal budget. China holds great promise for Iowa farmers.