Montana Senator Steve Daines announced this week that for the first time in 13 years, Montana beef will be headed back to China.

"China is the world's second largest beef market," Daines said. "After two official trade missions I've taken to Beijing, including pressing the Premiere of China, along with endless conversations with the Trump and the Obama administrations, the ban on U.S. beef into China is over."

Before entering politics, Daines spent almost six years in China with Proctor and Gamble expanding markets for American brands and products for Chinese consumers. Then, in May of 2016, he spoke with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on ending the ban on U.S. beef in China.

Most recently, in May 2017, Daines announced that an agreement had been reached to open Chinese markets to U.S. beef no later than July of 2017.

"Montanans know that U.S. beef is the highest quality in the world," he said. "Now, our producers can compete on a level playing field, so on my next trip to Beijing, I'm looking forward to seeing Montana beef on my plate."

In 2003, the mad-cow disease scare prompted China to close its markets to U.S. beef. Imports must follow requirements under China’s traceability, inspection and quarantine systems.

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