NCBA: U.S Preventing Trade Deal With U.K

After returning from a recent trade mission to the U.K., leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association argue it’s the United States that’s standing in the way of a lucrative trade deal. On the latest edition of NCBA’s Beltway Beef podcast, President Don Scheifelbein said a trade deal with the U.K. is key to exporting more high-quality American beef overseas and increasing carcass value.

“UK really, really, really wants a trade agreement with the United States. The one horse holding it back is the United States. And when you look at the delay in which we approach things, we don’t even have an ag trade person right now to go over and head things up, so, we’re kind of in this loop of holding.”

Part of the issue involves the UK and EU working out final post-Brexit trade rules, first. But there’s also a reluctance by the White House to pursue bilateral deals. Scheifelbein said NCBA is trying to ready the ground for a possible deal.

“We’re continuing those relationships…making sure that once the USDA and our side is ready, that we can just jump right in and start nailing out the details, and get relations and trade agreements finalized.”

Until then, Scheifelbein said NCBA’s team is working to personalize relations with UK industry leaders and clear up any misconceptions about beef production practices in the United States.

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