China Stepping Up Implementation of Phase One Agreement

WASHINGTON, DC – Amid deteriorating relations between the United States and China, USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced progress in the implementation of the Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement. The agreement between the two countries is expected to pay big dividends for American farmers and ranchers. On Thursday USTR presented an update on the implementation of the deal, including an announcement that U.S. blueberries and California Hass avocados can now be exported to China. China has also updated its list of U.S. facilities eligible to export beef, pork, poultry, seafood, dairy, and infant formula products to China. The revision allows exports to China from 499 beef, 457 pork, 470 poultry, 397 seafood, 253 dairy, and 9 infant formula facilities in the United States. USTR also says China continues to implement its tariff exclusion process in an attempt to facilitate imports of more U.S. commodities.