\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jackson Dircks<\/p>\n
SDPB News<\/p>\n
Gov. Larry Rhoden is leading a trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland this week in hopes to expand opportunities for South Dakota businesses.<\/p>\n
Rhoden said the trip keeps the state open for opportunity by strengthening economic and academic ties with the United Kingdom and Ireland.<\/p>\n
In particular, the mission is attempting to capitalize on recent trade agreement frameworks between the US, UK and European Union. That includes in South Dakota\u2019s beef and ethanol industries.<\/p>\n
In June, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that detailed some of the agreements under the United States-United Kingdom Economic Prosperity Deal. He pointed to \u201cbillions of dollars of increased market access for beef, ethanol and other American agricultural exports.\u201d<\/p>\n
Previously, the UK put a 20% tariff on US beef exports and a quota of 1,000 metric tons of the product. Under the new agreement, that increases to 13,000 metric tons. US ethanol previously saw a 19% tariff in the UK. The deal lowers that to zero and includes a preferential duty-free tariff rate quota of 1.4 billion liters of US ethanol.<\/p>\n
Representatives from South Dakota\u2019s beef and ethanol industries are part of the delegation to promote expansion into the area. South Dakota Trade CEO and President Jesse Fonkert said the industries are \u201cpoised for growth\u201d through the trip.<\/p>\n
Academic opportunity is another key reason for the trip.<\/p>\n
SDSU President Barry Dunn is with the delegation and is signing an agreement with the University College Dublin to foster academic collaboration and research opportunities between the schools.<\/p>\n
Dunn said the partnership will \u201copen new avenues for research and innovation, benefitting students and faculty while strengthening South Dakota\u2019s global presence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some state legislators are also attending the American Irish Legislators Caucus Summit in Dublin, which they said strengthens ties with Irish counterparts.<\/p>\n