October 24, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode issued the following statement in response to the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) decision to pursue measures to increase the competitiveness of the produce industry in the southeastern U.S. without launching an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974:

“We commend USTR for finding a balanced approach and working to enhance the competitiveness of the southeastern produce industry. It’s important to find solutions to the issues facing this critical industry, and the planned establishment of a private sector advisory panel that will recommend legislative or administrative action is the proper decision. The Section 301 statute is a blunt instrument that would invite tariff retaliation from Mexico, one of our largest trade partners, which could lead to harmful impacts on U.S. agriculture exporters and consumers throughout North America.”  

To ensure integrated food and agriculture supply chains throughout North America, CRA supports a robust bilateral trade relationship with our North American partners and the resolution of trade issues within the mechanisms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

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The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.