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For Immediate Release
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Representative Steve King
5th Congressional District of Iowa |
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November 8, 2007
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King Votes to Open South American Markets to Iowa Farmers
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| Washington, D.C.—Congressman Steve King voted today for a trade agreement with Peru that would eliminate tariffs on American crops and other goods sold to the South American country. The House of Representatives approved the trade agreement by an overwhelming margin.
"Iowa farmers are the best in the world and deserve every opportunity to sell their products globally. This free trade agreement, like others, will make any product we export to Peru duty-free. No trade barriers, just straight competition," said King.
U.S. Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab led negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs) with Peru, Columbia, Panama and South Korea. The Peru FTA is the first to receive a vote in U.S. House of Representatives.
"If it weren’t for Trade Ambassador Susan Schwab, the FTA would still be on the shelf and tariffs would still keep Iowa’s goods and services out of Peru," King added. "I’ve worked with Ambassador Schwab for some time and encourage her to promote the other agreements she’s already negotiated. When these trade barriers are brought down, Iowans benefit."
According to Department of Commerce statistics, Iowa's export shipments last year totaled $8.4 billion to 186 foreign countries and territories. From 2002 to 2006, Iowa's export shipments grew 77 percent. Small and medium-sized businesses in Iowa accounted for 81% of Iowa’s export shipments.
Congressman Steve King (R-IA) serves on the House Agriculture and Small Business Committees, and he is the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration panel.
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