Hartzler praises passage of free trade agreements

(From Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) is pleased with House passage of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama, creating 250,000 jobs and increasing U.S. exports by $13 billion at no cost to the American taxpayers. The deals, passed with bipartisan support, are viewed as an opportunity to create jobs, strengthen America’s economy, and increase exports.

“The ‘Made in USA’ label means something,” said Hartzler. “And Missouri exporters now have a greater opportunity to ship that label to foreign markets.”

“The three agreements are expected to increase direct exports from Missouri alone by $44.6 million per year,” continued Hartzler. “It is estimated that the increased marketing opportunities for Missouri’s farmers and ranchers will add more than 400 jobs to the Missouri economy. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates U.S. farm exports could increase by more than $1.8 billion per year to South Korea, more than $690 million per year to Colombia, and more than $195 million per year to Panama. The trade deals will particularly increase trade for a range of Missouri agriculture products, including soybeans, beef, corn, pork, dairy products, and processed food and fish.”

Approval of the free trade agreements is welcomed by Missouri’s agriculture leaders, including Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst.

“We’re pleased the House of Representatives approved the three free trade agreements and thank Congresswoman Hartzler for her support,” said Hurst. “This is the kind of ‘jobs package’ our farmers and ranchers support because the deals level the playing field for American businesses and create jobs here at home to support added exports.”

“These three trade agreements will create American jobs and expand market share for American businesses,” added Hartzler. “The independent and non-partisan U.S. International Trade Commission estimates the deals would increase U.S. exports by $13 billion and add an additional $10 billion to our gross domestic product each year. According to these estimates, implementing the agreement with South Korea will increase U.S. exports by at least $9.7 billion, and the tariff cuts alone will add $10.1 billion per year to U.S. G.D.P. America has sat on the sidelines too long, losing out to foreign competitors that have already implemented trade agreements with these countries.”

The agreements will ensure market access for U.S. products and will eliminate or substantially lower the tariffs and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports.