DES MOINES – At his weekly press conference today, Gov. Terry Branstad announced he will lead a trade mission to China and Japan in mid-November. Gov. Branstad was joined by President of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Al Wulfekuhle and Executive Director of the Iowa Beef Industry Council Chris Freland.
In 2015, Iowa companies exported $1.2 billion in manufactured and value-added goods to China and $1.1 billion to Japan. China is Iowa’s third largest export destination, while Japan is the fourth largest. In addition, Japan is Iowa’s leading export market for pork and beef products. Iowa companies exported $564 million in meat products to Japan in 2015.
“This mission marks my fourth visit to China and third to Japan since 2011 and is a testament to my long-standing commitment to strengthening economic ties with these important export markets for the state,” said Governor Branstad. “Trade missions like this one allow Iowa companies to expand their markets outside of the U.S. and ultimately creates more jobs and strengthens our economy.”
The mission is comprised of stops in Beijing and Hebei (Iowa’s sister state) in China while Tokyo is the primary destination in Japan. In China, Governor Branstad is slated to speak at China’s Food Security and Food Safety Strategy Summit and the International Meat Conference. Additional mission highlights include a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, attending a reception at U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy’s residence and meetings with investment or trade prospects.
“This trade mission is part of IEDA’s ongoing strategy to build on Iowa’s success in exporting to China and Japan,” said IEDA Director Debi Durham. “These markets are important to our agricultural commodities and with the recent announcement that China plans to lift the 13-year ban on beef imports from the U.S., Iowa is poised to benefit from renewing our relationships in this industry.”
Mission participants include Iowa companies involved in meat processing and representatives from the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Corn Promotion Board and Iowa Soybean Association. Iowa companies will participate in meetings specific to their market entry or expansion needs. IEDA is working with the state’s China contract representatives and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to identify trade and investment prospects for the delegation.
The IEDA’s International Trade Office markets Iowa products and services, educates Iowa businesses on exporting and assists global companies wishing to establish or expand operations in Iowa.
Trading with China and Japan. How dare you. What would the Donald think?
The only thing the U.S. exports is war i.e. death and harmful GMO fed animals i.e.death.
We should have target practice on you and Lagios,.
anonymous – Psychopaths follow the sorcerers that run this world and they carry out their wicked plans, they are called base consciousness or low frequency “order followers” as you may read in the book of Revelation their outcome, following and adhering to a wicked mindset is a choice.
Bull Shit Lagios.
Many countries have banned GMOS, surprised Japan would allow GMO fed animals in their country, wish they would decline the cheap harmful temptation of GMO fed animals.
Let them starve and you too.
anonymous – I do not eat GMO food nor animals, your post is non applicable, admitting your spiritually deprivation is apparent.
You are one sick puppy.
That 100 BILLION DOLLAR FARM BILL will sure help the fat cat farm owners – Maybe half of that should go to rebuilding our military as their are 3 countries right now that have the power to kick our azz.