| American
Soybean Association (ASA) Board member Scott Fritz, a soybean producer
from Winamac, Indiana, will provide testimony about agricultural trade
with Cuba before the House Committee on Agriculture on Thursday, March
11, 2010. ASA strongly supports the Travel Restriction Reform and
Export Enhancement Act, which would eliminate financing and travel
restrictions affecting trade with Cuba.
In 2008, Cuba imported a total of
496,000 metric tons of soybean, soybean meal and soybean oil from all
sources. Of this total, 282,000 metric tons, or 58 percent, were
purchased from the United States. However, the U.S. soybean industry
is uniquely positioned to significantly increase its share of the
Cuban market. U.S. ships can reach the three major Cuban ports in one
day, compared to 25 days from Brazil or Argentina. As a result, our
shipping costs are much lower than for our South American competitors,
giving us a natural advantage in supplying the Cuban market.
ASA opposes restrictions on exports
of U.S. agricultural commodities for national security or foreign
policy reasons that are not supported by all other major world
producers and exporters. ASA favors a normal trading relationship with
Cuba including direct banking and elimination of the cash in advance
rule. ASA also supports the country’s eligibility for the Foreign
Market Development and Market Access Programs, and unrestricted travel
to Cuba by U.S. citizens to facilitate new agriculture sales. |
