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For Immediate Release
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Representative Steve King
5th Congressional District of Iowa |
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October 11, 2007
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King Encourages US Trade Ambassador’s
Effort to Open Markets for Iowa Producers
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| Iowans Profit as American Exports Hit Record Highs in August |
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Washington, D.C.—Congressman Steve King recently met with U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Susan C. Schwab to discuss ongoing efforts to open foreign countries to American products. The importance of the meeting was highlighted this morning with reports of record American exports totaling more $138.3 billion for the month of August. Export of American produced wheat, corn and soybeans helped lead the record setting export numbers.
“American farmers and manufacturers are the best in the world. And when we Iowans are given the opportunity to sell our agriculture and manufactured products abroad, we will defeat the competition,” said King.
King and Ambassador Schwab discussed a range of international trade topics including pending Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the countries of Columbia, Panama and Peru. For Iowa farmers, the potential value of these agreements would be more $276 million, according to the Iowa Farm Bureau. The agreements, however, must first be approved by Congress before being signed into law.
Iowans also stand to increase sales of products by millions of dollars if Congress approves a FTA with South Korea. Trade Ambassador Schwab has sent all four trade agreements to Congress for final action.
“Ambassador Schwab and I had a productive conversation. I hope that Congress will act so that Iowans will gain valuable opportunities market our goods to the world. Iowa’s economy will grow as we increase our trade with other nations,” concluded King.
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