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.
Rhoden said the trip keeps the state open for opportunity by strengthening economic and academic ties with the United Kingdom and Ireland.
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’s beef and ethanol industries.
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 “billions of dollars of increased market access for beef, ethanol and other American agricultural exports.”
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.
Representatives from South Dakota’s 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 “poised for growth” through the trip.
Academic opportunity is another key reason for the trip.
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.
Dunn said the partnership will “open new avenues for research and innovation, benefitting students and faculty while strengthening South Dakota’s global presence.”
Some state legislators are also attending the American Irish Legislators Caucus Summit in Dublin, which they said strengthens ties with Irish counterparts.
Trade missions to Canada and other markets are planned for 2025 as well. Interested businesses should contact South Dakota Trade. If interested, email Rachel Weiland at South Dakota Trade at [email protected].
