The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012, which repeals legislation that creates challenges to the U.S. taking full advantage of Russia’s ascension to the World Trade Organization. The vote of 365 to 43 would establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia if a similar bill is passed by the Senate and signed by the president, according to the U.S. poultry industry, which has said it supports the move.
The National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said they commend the House for their quick action in passing the legislation, and encourage the Senate to act similarly. “The U.S. poultry industry applauds the House of Representatives for an overwhelming, bipartisan vote to grant PNTR status to Russia, a move that will spur job creation, boost economic growth and be budget neutral at the same time,” said the groups. “We urge the Senate to follow suit after (U.S.) Thanksgiving and get a bill to the president’s desk by the end of the year.”
Granting permanent normal trade relations to Russia will assure that the U.S. has equal accession to general tariff reductions, market opening measures and the ability of U.S. interests, such as poultry, to seek trade relief, if necessary, through the World Trade Organization, according to the groups. “Since Russia already officially entered into the WTO last summer, PNTR will ensure that poultry companies can take full advantage of new business opportunities, that Russia’s commitments in the WTO are enforced and that American businesses are on an equal playing field in the Russian market,” said the organizations.
“Continuing to export $300 million of poultry to Russia annually will provide better incomes for more U.S. workers and additional poultry to be produced by a growing number of family farmers across America.”
