Governor Colyer Calls for China to Cease Unfair Trading Practices
“The announcement of China’s intent to place a nearly 179 percent tariff on U.S. sorghum will have a devastating effect on the Kansas agriculture industry and thus the Kansas economy.
Kansas is the top sorghum producer in the United States – in the last 3 years, Kansas exported nearly $416 million in sorghum to China. Any effort to restrict the ability to export sorghum directly hits the pocketbook of farmers across Kansas.
Foreign market access is critical to Kansas agriculture at all times, but especially when our farmers are dealing with challenges brought on by low commodity prices and extreme weather conditions. Instead of targeting fairly traded U.S. exports, China should immediately stop its unfair trading practices.
“I have already spoken to our partners at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture this morning. They are working diligently on this issue. As Governor, I will continue to fight alongside the Kansas congressional delegation for our agricultural industry and will find a meaningful solution to this issue. Kansas farmers cannot afford a delay in action.”