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Web: www.wheatworld.org Twitter: @wheatworld
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mariah Wollweber, mwollweber@wheatworld.org
NAWG Welcomes Suspension of Vietnam Wheat Import Tariff
Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2021) – The National Association of Wheat Growers welcomes the news from Vice President Kamala Harris’ trip where a bilateral package was announced, which would suspend or eliminate the Vietnam Wheat Import Tariff. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance have been working diligently on a bilateral package that includes reducing or eliminating import tariffs on several U.S. commodities, which includes wheat.
The reduction follows one from July 2020, when Vietnam reduced its tariff on imported U.S. wheat (excluding durum) from 5 percent to 3 percent in a revision of its Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates. Of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) countries, Vietnam is the only country still applying tariffs against U.S. wheat imports and not against Canadian and Australian wheat. This tariff suspension will enhance U.S. wheat growers’ competitiveness and help reduce food costs for the Vietnamese people.
“We are very excited to see this tariff being lifted between Vietnam and the U.S., and we commend the Administration, FAS and Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance for their diligence to aid both the U.S. and Vietnam,” said NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule. “We are eager to see all of the doors this will open for both countries. NAWG will continue to work to advocate for an efficient trade system that will have a positive impact on U.S. wheat producers and their customers around the globe.”
In the 2020/2021 marketing year, the U.S. exported hard red spring (HRS), soft white (SW), and hard red winter (HRW) wheat that exceeded 500,000 metric tons even with the import tariffs, where Vietnam averages over 3 million metric tons of wheat imports per year.
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About NAWG
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. From their offices on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]