Press releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) released the following statement after a deal was reached between the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. sugar growers on addressing Mexico’s illegal dumping of sugar.

“For the last two and a half years, U.S. sugar growers have been getting the short end of the cane because Mexico has not been adhering to its end of the agreement from 2014.  I am pleased to see that under our new administration the U.S. government is finally cracking down on lousy trade deals that don’t live up to the promises that were made,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “This agreement will help make sure that Louisiana sugar cane farmers and millers get a fairer price for their product.”

“Louisiana’s Congressional sugar champions are entirely aware of the importance of our 223-year-old sugarcane industry in the state’s economy and heritage and we thank them for their diligent support during our trade dispute with Mexico.  They understand our farmers and millers can compete with any farm or mill in the world but realize our producers can’t compete against governments who prop up inefficient industries.  We are cautiously optimistic the administration will manage sugar policy effectively and not allow Mexico to adversely affect the market with unfair trade practices,” said Jim Simon, manager of the American Sugar Cane League.