The pillars for success of many bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements are market access, export competition, and domestic support. The overview prefaces free trade agreements and their impact on global meat, poultry, and dairy trade, through the creation of expanded market access, and addressing technical trade barriers.

China's future potential as an agriculture importer has dazzled American farmers for decades. The current China math that, "1.3 billion times any number is a BIG number," has fueled optimism for years. However, the way forward is murky, given high Chinese prices, self-reliance aims, and the U.S. desire for unfettered exports.

The article chronicles development of the Canadian meat export market and benefits gained from market openness. The paper outlines challenges faced by the Canadian livestock sector with NAFTA and competitive liberalization but argues for continued bilateral free trade agreements and a Canadian focus on quality versus quantity.

The article discusses ongoing technical barriers associated with technologies commonly used in U.S. livestock industry that are not readily accepted in other countries. The author argues for a joint approach on the path forward by the leading meat producing countries to ensure safety and adequacy in the global food supply.

The future of the U.S. pork industry depends more and more on international trade. Over 95% of the world's population resides outside of U.S. borders and virtually all growth in pork consumption is in foreign markets. Free trade agreements gain access and increase U.S. pork exports to these markets.