June 2, 2000

China PNTR passes

Legislation granting permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China that could result in a doubling of U.S. agricultural exports to that nation passed the House May 24 by a vote of 237-197.

The president of the state’s largest farm organization said as a result of the legislation, trade with China is expected to increase by as much as $2 billion annually by 2005.

“Today’s vote clears the way for U.S. agricultural producers to seize export opportunities in the world’s most important growth market,” said Texas Farm Bureau President Donald Patman. “Our members worked hard for this win. Our hats are off to the administration and key members of Congress for the leadership they demonstrated in this crucial vote.”

According to Patman, the China PNTR vote is clearly the U.S. government’s most important recent action to expand trade opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. He said the vote was critical because China is joining the World Trade Organization and, without PNTR enactment, the U.S. would have been left standing on the sidelines while its competitors capitalized on that country’s huge market potential.

“Passage of PNTR is the break America’s farmers and ranchers have needed in order to tap into the vast market that China offers,” Patman, a grain, cotton and cattle producer said, noting that the U.S. Senate is expected to approve the Clinton administration-backed measure soon. “Hopefully, domestic commodity prices will improve as global export demand picks up.”

Patman praised the strong bipartisan effort and the decision to engage the Chinese through trade rather than isolate them.

“I believe exposure to U.S. products and ideals is the best catalyst for social and political reform in China,” Patman said.