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NCBA’s Houston says beef exports have momentum

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president-elect Jennifer Houston sees reasons to be optimistic about trade in 2019.

“Things are going well on the trade front.  Exports are still high, but we know we have some opportunities as the President talks about entering bilateral talks with Japan and EU.  As well as the lessening of the trade war with China.”

She tells Brownfield Japan is a critical market, especially as other countries move forward with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership minus the U.S.

“We know they love our product (and) want to keep buying it.  But if we don’t get a bilateral agreement and the tariffs on our main competitor Australia keep going down, then we’re going to be at a bigger disadvantage as each year goes on.”

Houston and her husband own a livestock market auction in Sweetwater, Tennessee.