Citric acid imports from China nearly doubled from 1996 to 1998, and they are projected to have doubled again in 1999. As a result, the Chinese share of the citric acid market in the U.S. grew to 15 percent last year. Furthermore, sodium citrate imports to the U.S. surged 240 percent last year alone. Citric acid provides a pleasant flavor to food, beverages and medicine. It's also used in textile printing and as a polishing agent for metals.
Sodium citrate is used as an acidity regulator in food and drinks.
Grassley is chairman of the Senate International Trade Subcommittee.