Burgum: Trade deal with Japan will benefit North Dakota producers, strengthen partnership

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement regarding the White House’s announcement that President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have reached a trade agreement in principle.

“Japan is already North Dakota’s No. 5 export market, and with this trade agreement it will become an even more important market for the corn, soybeans, beef and other quality goods produced by our farmers and ranchers, who are among the world’s best and can compete with anyone on a level playing field,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to President Trump and his administration for their persistent efforts on this deal, which will open up Japanese markets to over $7 billion in U.S. goods. Now it’s time for Congress to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to strengthen trade with North Dakota’s top two trading partners, promote job creation and grow the economy.”

Japan was North Dakota’s fifth-largest export market last year based on dollar value at $36 million, after Canada ($6.9 billion), Mexico ($228 million), Australia ($144 million) and Germany ($60 million).

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