Congressman Young promotes American agriculture in China

by | Sep 28, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

A United States Congressman travels overseas to promote American agriculture.

Congressman David Young (R-IA) traveled to China for a multi-topic visit last week. During his visit, Young focused on improving the trade relationship between the United States and China.

?China is a very large market with about 1.4 billion people. They can?t feed themselves. They need help from other areas like the United States,? Young said. ?We have plenty to sell them. Those relationships can help us open up markets and create win-win situations for Iowa agriculture, as well as China.?

Young said the renewable fuels market could become a ?win-win situation.? Chinese officials have imposed a 30% tariff on American ethanol exports and a 90% tariff on American dried distillers grains (DDGS) exports.

?We want to work with China,? Young said. ?We think we can find a win-win. With China wanting to use renewable fuels for their vehicles due to smog and pollution issues, they?re going to need ethanol from America. I?d like to get into those markets, and our farmers would too.?

Young added Chinese officials seemed receptive to conversations regarding renewable fuels.

?They?re very interested in understanding the technology behind ethanol,? Young said. ?They?re also interested in the uses of a kernel of corn, from ethanol to feed to DDGS. Developing those relationships are very important.?

Young plans to further promote the agriculture industry by encouraging the Trump Administration to remain involved in certain trade agreements.

?I?m pushing the Administration to not abandon the NAFTA,? Young said. ?We can look at different enforcement areas and titles within NAFTA to make it better. We cannot abandon the agreement, it has been great for Iowa agriculture.?