AMI Fears Anti-Trade Sentiment in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Mar 7/05 - SNS -- Obvious anti-trade sentiment in the United States will cost the U.S. industry in the long run by converting Canada from a primary supplier of raw ingredients into a fierce international competitor, warns the U.S.-based American Meat Institute (AMI).

Mark Dopp, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel, made the comments after its request for a court ordered injunction blocking enforcement of the USDA's May 2003 ban on imports of Canadian live cattle was denied.

"The fact that our long term ally may now become a rival and could move into our former export markets is salt in the wounds of the U.S. beef industry, which is suffering terribly from this protected, unnecessary and protectionist trade barrier," Dopp warned. "But we will not let this -- or any other development -- weaken our resolve to work for science-based and internationally harmonized trade policies."

He added that the U.S. meat industry continues to believe as strongly as ever that full trade in beef and cattle products with Canada is justified by both the science and world animal health guidelines set by the OIE.

"This ruling and other anti-trade developments this week have been a blow to free trade and to the principles that have made an industry strong and competitive in international markets," Dopp said.

"The events this week may well Canadian resolve to grow and protect a vital national interest and to do whatever is necessary to become a major competitor to the U.S. The U.S. has historically consumed almost 50% of Canada's production and more than 90% of their exports. Canada will never let that happen again -- and we will suffer because of it."