WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer on protecting America’s workers and companies from unfair trade practices and countering China’s growing dominance in uranium and critical minerals production.
Senator Barrasso and USTR Greer also discussed the importance of opening global market access for American beef produced by ranchers in Wyoming.
USTR Greer testified today at the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on The President’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda.
On Protecting America from Unfair Trade Practices:
“I’m concerned for Wyoming, for workers across the country. I’m worried that foreign competitors continue to use unfair trade practices against the United States – against our workers, against our producers. These practices threaten our economic security, our prosperity. We want a safe and prosperous nation. Workers in my home state and across the country are paying the price.
“So, can you just talk a little bit about how you determine if foreign trade and economic practices constitute an emergency for our country? I just heard our previous speaker talk about asking ChatGPT. I’m not going to do that. I’m going to ask you, how is it that we determine if foreign trade and economic practices constitute an emergency for our country?”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on unfair trade practices.
On Ending Uranium Imports from China:
“For decades, America led the world in uranium production. Today, there’s virtually no commercial enrichment capacity, we’re dangerously dependent on imports from other countries.
“Congress took a strong stand by banning Russian uranium imports. We’re now seeing a troubling shift with increased uranium imports coming from China. And we think it’s the uranium from Russia, going to China, which they then sell to the United States. So we’ve simply replaced one adversary with another. This poses a serious threat to our national security, to our energy independence.
“Wyoming has the resources and the workforce to revive American uranium production. But what we know is that subsidized foreign uranium from China and from Russia, threatens to undermine our domestic industry. Are you going to support efforts to end uranium imports from China as we continue to try to build our U.S. nuclear supply?”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on uranium imports.
On Opening New Markets for American Beef Producers:
“Market access for Wyoming beef. Our ranchers are seeing what you recently did, what the president has recently done and say ‘it’s about time.’
“I know you heard a lot about market access today. Let’s just specifically discuss market access for American beef. It’s our number one cash crop in Wyoming. Our ranchers produce some of the highest quality beef in the world. Yet our beef faces significant barriers in key foreign markets. So I do appreciate your office’s efforts to document the numerous barriers that unfairly block American beef exports.
“For example, Thailand imposes a 50% tariff on American beef. The European Union’s numerous ‘green deal’ restrictions limit market opportunities for our ranchers. Australia’s barriers prevent the sale of safe, high quality American beef. They’ve sold 29 billion into our country. We can’t sell a hamburger there. So, Wyoming beef producers have felt the direct impact of these unfair trade practices. And as I said, it’s our number one cash crop. What steps do you see being taken now to open new markets and ensure fair access for our beef around the world where we’ve been blocked?”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on opening markets for beef producers.
On Countering China’s Dominance with Critical Minerals:
“In terms of critical minerals, we sit on vast deposits of critical minerals in Wyoming essential for our national security. Our state has significant reserves of rare earth elements. Are there some trade initiatives that you’re taking right now that are going to counter China’s dominance in the critical minerals world, both in terms of production as well as refinement?”
Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on critical minerals.