Sen. Mike Johanns says Nebraska agriculture in particular, and the state economy in general, will see a boost, now that the free trade agreement with Columbia has gone into effect.
Johanns says the agreement will be significant.
“It’s important to our economy. It’s important to insuring that we continue to produce the highest, best quality products; the best and safest in the world,” according to Johanns.
The USDA says farm exports will receive duty-free access on more than half the American products exported to Columbia with virtually all tariffs going away within 15 years.
Johanns says the country needs to seek more free trade agreements.
“I’ll continue to work on trade issues. I’ll continue to work with any administration on trade agreements and trade promotion authority,” Johanns says.
Columbia is South America’s third largest economy, according to the USDA. The Agriculture Department says the agreement gives duty-free access to more than half of the products America exports to Columbia. The USDA estimates that the agreement will increase United States’ exports by more than $1.1 billion.
AUDIO: Sen. Mike Johanns discusses impact of Columbia free trade agreement [:45]







