The North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) has praised the decision by the US Trade Representative (USTR) not to impose restrictions on wheat entering the US from Canada.
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US millers occasionally buy Canadian wheat for specific milling, baking or pasta properties and to supplement the US crop. The US durum crop was insufficient to meet demand in 15 out of the last 15 years. The hard red spring wheat crop was insufficient in 12 of the last 15 years.
The USTR had been petitioned to impose restrictions on the wheat purchases in a section 301 petition filed by some growers.
NAMA chairman Bernard J. Rothwell III commented: “Ambassador Zoellick and his staff are to be commended for their careful analysis and for reaching the correct decision. Wheat foods are an important part of the American diet. Millers, bakers, pasta manufacturers and American consumers are well served by this decision.
“We look forward to working with the Administration and growers toward our mutual goal of eliminating the monopoly powers of State Trading Enterprises. That has been NAMA’s position for several years.
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By GlobalData“We must have access to Canadian wheat, regardless of the seller. Currently, there is only one seller but we look forward to the day when millers can buy from many sellers. More competition in a free market would be best.”
NAMA is encouraging the USTR to seek more access to the Canadian market for US growers.
“Fair is fair, and wheat and wheat products should be able to move freely across the border in both directions,” Rothwell continued. “That was the goal of NAFTA.”
