Now that the House and Senate have passed legislation granting Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations, President Obama is expected sign it, but Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley complains that the Russians continue to restrict imports, particularly their latest attempts to block U.S. beef and pork treated with ractopamine, a leanness additive. And while it’s unclear if the move is retaliation on the part of the Russians for the human rights measures added in the new bill, Grassley says the bill does provide the U.S. with more leverage in trade disputes.
As of Thursday the Russia trade bill has not landed on the president’s desk, but it was still expected to. Obama?s Chief Ag Trade Negotiator met with Russian trade officials during the week of December 10 and repeated demands Moscow suspend its new ractopamine restrictions on pork and beef, and instead hold technical talks on safety issues.
