[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CENTRAL AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the benefits of 
the Central American Free Trade Agreement to agricultural interests in 
my home State of Illinois.
  As the number two soybean and soy products exporter, Illinois already 
sends approximately $50 million worth of soy products per year to CAFTA 
countries. The immediate duty-free access for some products and 
reductions in tariffs on others are expected to significantly improve 
opportunities for Illinois soybeans and their products.
  Illinois corn farmers are the Nation's number two exporter of feed 
grains. U.S. corn exports to CAFTA countries will benefit from reduced 
tariffs and duty-free access for corn products. In total, CAFTA 
countries are already Illinois' 22nd largest export market, accounting 
for more than $211 million in exports in 2004. After the first year of 
CAFTA implementation, Illinois is expected to realize $79 million in 
increased output across all industries in the State and $24 million in 
increased employees earnings and nearly 700 new jobs created.
  This historic agreement will eliminate tariffs and trade barriers and 
expand regional opportunities for the workers, manufacturers, 
consumers, farmers, and service providers of all the countries.

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