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President Donald Trump and the White house opened up shipment of pork to Argentina for the first time since 1992.
 
WASHINGTON – According to an Aug. 17 statement from the White House, President Donald Trump announced an agreement had been struck that will resume US pork exports to Argentina for the first time since 1992, when animal health concerns halted trade. The topic of resuming pork shipments to the country was broached during bilateral talks between President Trump and Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri at the White House on April 27. According to the White House, under the terms of the new agreement, all fresh, chilled, and frozen pork and pork products from United States animals will be eligible for export to Argentina.

 

Negotiations between the two countries, which included US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross resulted in an agreement following a meeting on Aug. 15 between President Macri and Vice President Michael Pence, during his visit to Buenos Aires. Resuming pork exports to Argentina represents as much as $10 million in trade for the US pork industry.

“Today’s announcement is a big win for American pork producers and proves that President Trump is getting real results for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Vice President Pence. “After 25 years of discussions, America’s pork producers will soon be able to export their fine product to Argentina. This is one more example of the commitment of President Trump and his entire administration to breaking down international trade barriers and making free and fair trade a win-win for American workers, farmers and our trading partners."

Prior to resuming shipments, officials have arranged for food safety officials from Argentina to visit the US to ensure compliance with the federal meat inspection standards and they will address and resolve any outstanding technical issues.