Text: U.S. Agriculture Department Release on U.S. Tobacco, China
(China signs agreement to lift ban on U.S. tobacco imports)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a release February 5 announcing that Chinese officials signed an agreement to lift a ban on U.S. tobacco imports, a move that could lead to $140 million worth of U.S. tobacco exports to China.

Following is the text of the release:

(begin text)

CHINA AGREES TO IMPORT U.S. TOBACCO

Washington, Feb. 5, 2001 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that officials from China's Inspection and Quarantine Agency signed an agreement allowing the importation of U.S. tobacco.

"USDA estimates that this agreement will be a potential $140 million boost to the U.S. tobacco industry and sets the stage for future trade relations."

In a protocol negotiated by APHIS' (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) plant protection and quarantine program, China will import dried U.S. tobacco that is free of active tobacco blue mold spores. All U.S. tobacco exports to China will be inspected before shipment.

As part of the agreement, China will modify regulations that currently ban U.S. tobacco. Shipments will begin once the regulations are in place.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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