Senators John Hoeven and Angus King called on March 17 for the U.S. International Trade Commission to begin a Section 332 investigation into Canadian trade practices that they say are harming U.S. potato producers. The senators said Canadian federal and provincial policies create disadvantages for American growers, particularly highlighting recent antidumping duties imposed by British Columbia on U.S. fresh potatoes.
The issue is important because Canada is a major export market for U.S. potatoes, with annual trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The senators said a stable and rules-based trading relationship with Canada is essential for the continued success of American potato producers.
“Canada is one of the most important export markets for U.S. fresh and processed potatoes, with annual trade valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A stable, transparent, and rules-based trading relationship with Canada is therefore essential to the continued viability of potato producers in our states. Unfortunately, recent developments have raised concerns among U.S. growers regarding whether current trade conditions are fair, and consistent with international law and trade agreements,” wrote the senators.
They also noted that “Producers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast in particular, have emphasized the importance of understanding whether these policies are materially affecting competition, investment decisions, and long-term market balance in regions where U.S. and Canadian potato industries have historically been closely integrated… We believe that Congress, the administration, and U.S. potato producers would benefit from a clear, objective, and comprehensive assessment of the facts provided by a Section 332 investigation, particularly ahead of the upcoming USMCA joint review.” The letter was co-signed by several other senators from both parties.
Gary Shields, Executive Director of the Northland Potato Growers Association, said: “The Northland Potato Growers sincerely appreciate the leadership of Senator Hoeven and all the senators who called for this investigation into Canadian potato trade practices. Once completed, this important 322 investigation will provide the facts necessary to ensure our U.S.–Canadian trading relationship is fair and balanced. Thank you again to Senator Hoeven in prioritizing the competitiveness of growers in North Dakota.”
Hoeven serves as a United States Senator representing all of North Dakota according to his official website. He holds positions on several Senate committees including Appropriations; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; as well as Energy and Natural Resources according to his official website. His priorities include agriculture policy along with energy issues, veterans’ services, Native American communities support, economic development initiatives according to his official website. Hoeven also engages constituents through newsletters, town halls, and public events as noted on his official website.
