White House Has Beef with EU Trade Rules

by Amna El Tawil
 
The European Union has some strict standards when it comes to food, skincare, cosmetics, and so on. For instance, some ingredients that are widely used in beauty products in the US are banned in EU. Also, beef from the United States is banned in Europe as well, due to hormones.
 
Michael Froman, the US Trade Representative, announced that this office will move against the EU over the ban on beef. He said that the ban isn’t, actually, based on sound science and it discriminates against American beef farmers, producers, ranchers, and so on. Froman also said: “The WTO (World Trade Organization) determined that the European Union’s ban on U.S. beef imports violates its international trade obligations. The EU has failed to live up to assurances to address this issue, and it’s now time to take action. Today’s action holds the EU accountable and is an important step in encouraging the Commission to come back to the table to ensure that American ranchers have access to Europe’s market and that European consumers have better access to high-quality U.S. beef.”
 
Froman announced that the office will hold hearings and solicit public comments on the ban and how to respond.
 
According to the announcement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the U.S. beef industry exports an average $6 billion per year. These exports produce an estimated $7.6 billion in economic activity and support 50,000 jobs nationwide. The American beef industry is essential to the overall strength of the nation’s economy, and to rural communities seeking ways to access new customers in foreign markets.”
 
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson said: “There is no doubt that American beef products are safe. The 20 year EU ban has been in effect far too long. It is not based on fact and should be lifted. The beef industry is an important contributor to our nation’s economy, especially rural economy. This announcement is welcome news for America’s beef producers.”
 
It becomes crystal clear that the bans set by the EU have nothing to do with consumers’ safety and other factors. These decisions are purely made for profit. Without the US (or someone else’s) beef on the market, the EU benefits the most.

 
 
 

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1 thought on “White House Has Beef with EU Trade Rules”

  1. Most of our exports to Europe are probably not from small farmers but corporate CAFO’s. Europe is right to ban them as they use antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones and gmo feed which are dangerous to human health. The beef from CAFO’s and gmo crops should be banned in this country also but the corporations have too much control over our government.

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