Congressman Blake Moore Leads Letter to Ambassador Tai on Potentially Damaging Lamb and Mutton Imports
WASHINGTON – Congressman Moore led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging the International Trade Commission to launch a safeguard investigation into whether foreign sheep and mutton imports are presenting serious harm to the domestic lamb industry.
In part, the letter reads:
“Based on U.S. Department of Agriculture data, consumption of lamb and mutton in the United States increased by nearly 17 percent from 2018-2022. However, despite this increase in domestic consumption, U.S. sheep and lamb inventory has declined 4 percent since 2018, the continuation of a long-term downward trajectory. This response by the domestic sheep industry of decreasing production while domestic consumption of lamb and mutton have increased deserves a careful, probing analysis. This is particularly true given the dramatic increase in U.S. market share held by imports since 2012 and the recent 31 percent surge in the volume of imports from 2018 to 2022.”
“Utah’s lamb and sheep industry has long provided great jobs for Utahns and is foundational to our agricultural output,” said Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01). “Challenges from the pandemic coupled with unfair advantages held by foreign markets—including the use of chemicals banned in the US—has put our domestic industry in a difficult position. It is critical that we look into how the foreign lamb and mutton market has posed major disadvantages to our ranchers. Free trade only works when all sides play by the same rules, and I will continue to support Utah’s sheep industry and ranchers.”
"Utah's sheep industry, ranking among the top five in the nation, is the cornerstone of many Utah livelihoods, and an engine of economic growth,” said Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04). “While we've witnessed a surge in demand for lamb and mutton, the influx of sheep from foreign markets threatens to undermine the foundation of our domestic livestock industry. I'm taking a stand to safeguard this vital sector and support Utah's hardworking ranchers."
“Utah ranchers deserve a fighting chance getting lamb and mutton to market,” said Congressman John Curtis (UT-03). “The Utah delegation is united in standing up for our agriculture producers and we urge the U.S. Trade Representative to help our communities domestically.”
“In Wyoming, we pride ourselves on producing locally grown, prime quality meat, and sheep ranching forms a key, multimillion-dollar component of our agriculture industry,” said Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-At large). “Yet despite significant growth in the amount of lamb and mutton consumed in recent years, the size of our sheep herds is decreasing. I urge the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate this worrying trend and to take actions to protect a key Wyoming product.”
"The United States must prioritize the protection of our farmers and ranchers, ensuring that our domestic producers are given precedence over foreign competitors. This letter serves as a crucial reminder to the Ambassador of this fundamental principle,” said Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02). “I commend Congressman Moore for spearheading this initiative and am optimistic that our collective efforts will raise awareness and drive meaningful change on this critical issue."
The full letter is below:
Dear Ambassador Tai,
On August 3, 2023, you received a submission from American sheep producers urging you to request that the United States International Trade Commission initiate a safeguard investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. The purpose of the investigation would be to determine if lamb and mutton are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic sheep industry. We urge your favorable consideration of that request.
Based on U.S. Department of Agriculture data, consumption of lamb and mutton in the United States increased by nearly 17 percent from 2018-2022. However, despite this increase in domestic consumption, U.S. sheep and lamb inventory has declined 4 percent since 2018, the continuation of a long-term downward trajectory.
This response by the domestic sheep industry of decreasing production while domestic consumption of lamb and mutton have increased deserves a careful, probing analysis. This is particularly true given the dramatic increase in U.S. market share held by imports since 2012 and the recent 31 percent surge in the volume of imports from 2018 to 2022.
These trends support a prompt and fair investigation by the International Trade Commission of whether the import surge is a substantial cause of serious injury to the United States sheep industry. A request initiated by your office could help ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of this important domestic industry.
We respectfully request your full consideration of this request.
Signed,
Representatives Blake Moore, Harriet Hageman, John Curtis, Mark Amodei, Mary Miller, Matthew Rosendale, Burgess Owens, Dina Titus, Michael Simpson, Yadra Caraveo, Steven Horsford, Doug LaMalfa, Russ Fulcher, and Susie Lee
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