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Wheat industry applauds U.S. negotiators for protecting Wheat market in Moroccan FTA
The U.S. Wheat industry applauds our negotiators from the U.S. Trade Representative's Office and U.S. Department of Agriculture for creating a competitive position for U.S. Wheat against difficult political issues in Morocco. In the free trade agreement finalized with the Kingdom of Morocco, negotiators achieved significantly improved access for U.S. wheat. Wheat is a sensitive product in Morocco because it is the primary product of many small farmers. Negotiators found ways to continue to protect those farmers while giving U.S. producers an opportunity to meet Morocco's import needs. Our negotiators also secured a preference clause that protects U.S. Wheat access against future agreements Morocco may negotiate with U.S. competitors.
While the U.S. Wheat industry is disappointed that tariff levels on non durum Wheat will not go to zero, negotiated quota levels are expanded and the in-quota level is scheduled to increase over 10 years to equal the European Union's quota level.
"While the official language has not been released, I believe this agreement will guarantee Wheat producers fair access to this important market. It provides reasonable opportunity for growth as in-quota tariffs are phased out for durum and imports for all other types of Wheat are allowed to expand in relationship to Morocco's needs," said Bruce Hamnes, Chairman of the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee and a Wheat producer in Minnesota.
Alan Lee, Chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates said, "I am delighted that in these difficult negotiations, durum growers will gain a significant quota and the tariffs on that amount are scheduled to be reduced to zero in ten years."
This historic agreement will strengthen and expand the ability of U.S. producers to compete in this strategically located market.
Date: 3/10/04
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