WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the Trump Administration has reached an agreement with South Korea on market access for American rice.
Under the agreement, which enters into force on January 1, 2020, South Korea will provide access for 132,304 tons of U.S. rice annually. This gives the United States the greatest volume of guaranteed rice market access in South Korea ever with a value of approximately $110 million each year. Additionally, the agreement provides U.S. suppliers with enhanced disciplines related to administration of the U.S. country-specific quota.
“Louisiana is one of the largest producers and exporters of rice in the United States. Since 2017, my office has worked closely with President Trump and his administration to prioritize new export agreements for rice and other agricultural commodities. This agreement to expand market access for rice is a win for South Louisiana farmers, millers, and ports. I’m grateful that the President and his administration are putting America First and working to deliver stronger trade opportunities for American industry.”
