Additional tariffs on China imports to hinder US feed sector

The USTR plans to impose an additional tariff of 10% on $ 200 billion worth of Chinese imports, effective 24 September 2018.

Negative effect on American animal feed sector

US animal feed manufacturers use many different types of ingredients in animal feed and pet food and depend on imports of some ingredients that have limited domestic availability. In addition, the variety of ingredients produced globally gives them more choices on where and how to source their ingredients. The United States’ imposition of tariffs on Chinese products has already negatively affected the US animal feed industry in the way of retaliatory measures by China on US products exported to China. In addition, retaliatory measures as a result of the United States’ actions last Monday, further escalate this trade war and continue to hinder the US feed industry’s ability to manufacture safe, quality and affordable feed products, as well as maintain and increase market opportunities and access in China.

Seeking discussions with China

Gina Tumbarello, AFIA’s director of international policy and trade, stated: “AFIA and its members value free and fair global trade and mutual respect between trading partners. Increasing tariffs on Chinese products restricts the flow of commerce, stifles fair and open competition and leads to retaliatory measures that can further harm the animal feed industry. China is an important market with even greater potential, but the administration’s actions are not aiding the US animal feed industry in securing market access, but rather, further hindering it. We encourage our trade officials to seek discussions with China to remedy concerns rather than continuing to resort to tariffs.”

Source: AFIA