First, this is NOT a US-Germany trade agreement....and it's NOT a multi-item trade agreement. It involves beef only.
In the late 1980s, the EU got all hyped-up about hormone-beef. They wanted the practice stopped. If you go around the US....there are thousands of ranch operations which produce non-hormone-beef. But getting this all certified and guaranteed....then getting the EU to the table, was a big deal.
This agreement only talks to non-hormone-beef. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
The treaty will hit full 'power' in 2026, where it will amount to 26,000 tons of non-hormone US beef imported into Europe. The limit from other countries (like Australia or Japan or Brazil)? 10,000 tons.
Is it a big deal? I would suggest 'yes' for two reasons.
First, it's the first deal that really proved that the EU and US can sit down and make up a difficult trade deal.
Second, while not in the first year or two.....the sales here will turn into a plus-up for US farm and ranch operations....with lessening use of hormones.
I will also offer this opinion. Some guy is going to come up and brand a slogan/symbol for 'ALABAMA-BEEF' or 'TEXAS-Prime', and you will see certain grocery operations in Germany which will get into this advertising gimmick.
An 'evil' thing? Well....the German vegan folks will suggest that.
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