U.S. beef imports to be cut

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 2

U.S. beef imports to be cut

There has been a strong New Zealand reaction to American moves to restrict beef imports. Voluntary: agreements have been reached with supplier countries to restrict im-I ports, and the Senate has called for a 90-day ban on all imports of the meat.

Under the restrictions, based on imports in 1973 and 1974, New Zealand will be able to export 253 m lb of beef to America, compared with 290 m lb last year and 270 m lb in 1973. The chairman of the Meat Board (Mr C. Hilgendorf) has described the voluntary agreements as wholly' iniquitous, reports the Press Association. “It is nonsense to call the restraints voluntary. They have been imposed on us and will have exactly the same effect as a straight-out quota,” he said. Restrictions imposed by importing countries had been largely responsible for the dislocation of the world; beef market, said Mr Hilgen-i dorf. The American quotas! could only accentuate the; problem and delay the return: to more stable conditions for! both producers and consumers of beef. of character’ “In bowing to pressurel from its cattlemen’s lobby to restrict the flow of imported beef, the United States is acting completely out of character for a country with a huge export trade in its own farm products and which has consistently advocated more liberal access for these products in international trade,” said Mr Hilgendorf.

New Zealand had adopted a responsible attitude in its beef exports to the United States — including responding to its pleas for greater supplies during the world beef famine two years ago. “It is therefore wholly iniquitous that President Ford should now decide to impose a quota on us,” Mr Hilgendorf said.

Embargo ‘unjust’ The* Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Walding) said in Washington that the suggested 90-day ban would be unfair and unjust, reports the Press Association.

“We are not responsible for the market prictj problem. New Zealand; has not been sending in more than its traditional supplies, and to blame traditional suppliers for the actions of others would seem to be at variance with usual American policies.” New Zealand was heavily dependent on the United States beef market, said Mr Walding. The import moratorium was suggested by Senator James Abourezk, of South Dakota, during debate on emergency farm legislation which raises minimum pricesupport levels.

He sought support to include provision for the 90-day beef import ban in the bill, and quickly won unanimous approval.