On Tuesday, the Senate Commerce Committee passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), establishing Senate committee support for shipping supply chain challenges.
OSRA would help agricultural exporters by leveling the playing field for American exports, making it harder for ocean carriers to unreasonably refuse goods ready to export at ports. The bill would place guardrails on the ocean carriers’ actions by giving the Federal Maritime Commission rulemaking authority to regulate carrier practices.
In her Senate Commerce Committee opening statement, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) stressed the importance of passing OSRA, saying farmers don’t want special treatment, they simply don’t want to be “exploited” for profit.
“We also know here, in the Committee, that these ocean shipping companies are making record profits,” she said. “They have made $150 billion in profits in 2021, and ocean import volume for the first quarter of this year is forecast to increase by more than 30%.”
U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applauded the passage and urged Congress to “expeditiously” advance the process to ease agricultural exports.
Zippy Duvall, AFBF president echoed USDEC and NMPF, sharing his team is “pleased” with the Senate Commerce Committee’s work in moving the legislation to the Senate floor.
“Ongoing supply chain issues and record-high shipping costs threaten to limit exports at a time when our trading partners are increasingly relying on America’s farmers and ranchers,” he says. “Limiting trade also negatively affects farmers’ ability to get much-needed supplies like fertilizer, which ultimately drives up the cost of growing food for America’s families.”
In December 2021, the House passed OSRA under the Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act. The U.S. Senate will vote on OSRA in coming weeks, as Congress commences conference procedures.
More on ag exports:
> House Passes U.S. Ocean Shipping Reform Act
