TEXAS AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER DRIVES NATIONAL EFFORT TO END RETALIATORY TRADE TARIFFS IMPOSED BY MEXICO.

AUSTIN, TX -- The following information was released by the Texas Department of Agriculture:

With the Lone Star State exporting billions of dollars worth of products used to feed and clothe consumers across the border, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today encouraged other state agriculture leaders to join him in pressing the President and Congress to re-establish a cross-border trucking program with Mexico. In return for such a program, Mexican officials have indicated they will immediately remove retaliatory tariffs the country placed on U.S. goods. Commissioner Staples' effort was unanimously supported and approved by other state agriculture leaders attending the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C.

"Creating a cross-border passageway between the United States and Mexico paves the way for job creation and expands export markets with one of our closest trading partners," Commissioner Staples said. "Safety will be a priority with this trade program. All Mexican trucks will have to meet the same guidelines as U.S. trucks, and drivers will go through background checks to ensure they have a clean record. Unfortunately, many Mexican agricultural products today are coming into the United States duty free while our exporters are paying up to a 45 percent tariff. To anyone who would oppose this measure, I would ask where is the fairness?"

Mexico began imposing retaliatory tariffs in March 2009 on almost 90 U.S. products after Congress ended a long-haul trucking program that allowed Mexican trucks to enter the United States. That program was required by NAFTA. By August 2010, Mexico's tariff list expanded to include a majority of agricultural products, with tariffs reaching up to 45 percent of the price of the product.

"Texas farmers and ranchers should not have to pay the price for broken negotiations," Commissioners Staples said. "The removal of Mexican tariffs that currently penalize Texas and American exports will further strengthen the bridge of harmonious trade relations with our neighbor to the south. On behalf of all my colleagues in U.S. agriculture, we strongly urge the administration to promptly move toward this resolution."

On Jan. 6, 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation finally released an initial proposal outlining the creation of another long-haul, cross-border trucking program with Mexico.

Negotiations on the specifics of the program are ongoing and not expected to be finalized until mid-year. Commissioner Staples is hoping the proposal can be fast tracked so Texas farmers and ranchers do not have to continue to suffer from these retaliatory tariffs.

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