President Obama said the Trans-Pacific Partnership will remove trade barriers among the dozen participating countries.
Obama said the agreement, announced Monday, will eliminate tariffs on U.S. poultry, beef, soybeans and fruit, to name a few. He acknowledged opposition among some lawmakers, but points to provisions, such as Japan removing duties from 74 percent of its beef imports in the next 15 years.
“So this is really a big deal, and the key to getting it passed is just making sure that people are informed about how this creates a level playing field and making sure that members of Congress who represent rural and agricultural districts understand the benefits," Obama said.
Obama said the TPP will be a boon to U.S. farmers over the next two decades. And even though China is not part of the agreement, he said the deal may have a positive impact on the U.S. trading relationship with China.
“As we are able to sell more and more products in the countries that are part of TPP,” he said, “then you start establishing principles whereby China is adapting to our rules as opposed to us always adapting to theirs.”
Those from within the Democratic Party as well as union members who oppose the TPP cite manufacturing jobs moving overseas following ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Obama said that will change with this agreement.
“I can’t make up for all the problems that happened in the past, but I can make sure that what I’m doing now is good for American manufacturing, good for American workers, good for American farmers,” he said.
Now, Obama, has to convince U.S. House and Senate lawmakers.
“The more I’m out there making that case, but more importantly, the more individual farmers, individual ranchers, individual manufacturers who are selling goods in these markets are able the make the case that ultimately is going to be what sways Congress.”
The legislative bodies of all the participating countries have to ratify the TPP.
Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com