Central Louisiana News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has introduced two bills aimed at safeguarding the Louisiana rice and shrimp industries from the dumping of cheap shrimp and produce by China and India into U.S. markets. The bills, known as the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act and the India Shrimp Tariff Act, seek to protect American consumers by ensuring that the food available on U.S. store shelves meets the country's health standards.

"When you eat seafood gumbo, you expect the shrimp and rice to be grown in Louisiana with our health standards," said Senator Cassidy. "Americans’ health should not be harmed because some countries have chosen not to play by the rules. Bringing China and India into compliance will level the playing field for Louisiana shrimpers and the food they produce."

The Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act establishes a joint task force on agricultural trade enforcement led by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). This task force will proactively monitor upcoming Chinese industrial subsidies, rather than waiting to react after subsidies are already in place. The bill also mandates that the task force report recommendations to Congress on dealing with any unfair subsidies they identify.

Senator Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in co-sponsoring the bill. The USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee also supports this legislation.

Bobby Hanks, Chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee and CEO of Supreme Rice, expressed appreciation for Senator Cassidy and his colleagues' leadership on this issue. Hanks emphasized the need for a World Trade Organization case against India's rice subsidies, stating that long-term policy changes in India would make rice farmers from the U.S. and other rule-abiding countries more competitive in the global market.

The India Shrimp Tariff Act aims to raise U.S. tariffs to match the subsidies received by the Indian shrimp farming industry. Currently, India accounts for approximately 40 percent of U.S. shrimp imports, largely due to massive state subsidies. This bill has received support from the Louisiana Shrimp Association, the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, the American Shrimp Processors Association, and the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

John Williams, the Executive Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, highlighted the issues with India's dominance in the shrimp market, including the use of banned antibiotics in aquaculture and tolerance for forced labor practices in peeling sheds. Williams commended Senator Cassidy for his leadership in addressing these problems and emphasized the need for better conditions for American consumers and the U.S. shrimp industry.

Trey Pearson, President of the American Shrimp Processors Association, expressed wholehearted support for Senator Cassidy's efforts to deploy import tariffs on Indian shrimp that are commensurate with the barriers faced by U.S. exports in the Indian market. Pearson stated that India's unfair trade practices have caused economic damage to the domestic shrimp industry and applauded Senator Cassidy's attempt to level the playing field.

Acy Cooper, President of the Louisiana Shrimp Association and Chairman of the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, thanked Senator Cassidy for his efforts to save the industry, acknowledging the difficult fight that fishermen are facing. Cooper emphasized the need for more initiatives like this to protect and support the Louisiana shrimp industry.

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