WASHINGTON — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) restated its stances regarding international trade and the importance of exports to US pork producers as the trade association starts its Spring Legislative Conference this week.

“Our ability to trade freely is critical and vital,” said Duane Stateler, president of NPPC and a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “We trade with business partners, and those relationships depend on trust, certainty, and stability.”

NPPC anticipates 120 pork industry leaders in Washington, DC, to hold meetings with the legislators and members of the executive branch.

“America’s pork producers have long fought for free and fair trade, knowing that we can provide a high-quality, safe, affordable protein that is in demand,” Stateler said. “In that message – and that goal – we are unwavering.”

In terms of trade, the NPPC will lay out three important areas for the pork industry.

First, it will explain how more than 25% of pork production is exported, many times into high-value markets worldwide.

Next, NPPC stated its vigorous opposition to retaliatory tariff charges against US products, including those affecting its members.

“Retaliatory actions against food, and pork, are the wrong approach to resolving trade disputes,” NPPC said.

Finally, the group will explain the barriers to market access in many locations and how it remains a factor in the pork industry’s ability to match the high demand for US pork products.