Asia Pacific | U.S., Australia to Begin Free-Trade Talks, Boost $24 Billion R...

Asia Pacific

 

U.S., Australia to Begin Free-Trade Talks, Boost $24 Billion Relationship

The U.S. and Australia, the world's biggest beef and wool exporter, will begin talks early next year aimed at sealing a free-trade agreement as they seek to bolster annual trade worth A$43 billion ($24 billion). 

China begins transfer of power
Heralding the start of a carefully regimented change of leadership, Chinese state media confirms President Jiang Zemin and five other senior leaders are stepping down from their posts in the ruling Communist Party.

Export Licence Revoked
Australian live animal exporter has licence cancelled after breaking the rules.

 

Europe

 

UPDATE 1-Russia may cut EU meat imports if grain quota set
MOSCOW, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Russian officials threatened on Thursday to retaliate against EU plans to curb grain exports by cutting meat imports from the EU, pressing the 15-nation bloc to admit at least five million tonnes of Russian grain per year.

 

EU/FRANCE/UK: EU decides not to fine France for illegal ban on British beef  
The European Commission has withdrawn its application to the European Court of Justice for the imposition of a daily fine on France for failure to lift its British beef embargo.

 

Americas

 

Smithfield Foods Acquires Vall
US pig meat processing giant buys out Spanish owned pig production company.

 

USA

 

FDA bans use of meat proteins from CWD animals in feed stocks
In a notice to state public health and agriculture officials on Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of material from Chronic Wasting Disease-positive animals, or animals at high risk for CWD, to be used as an ingredient in feed for any animal species, according to a news release from FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

 

Lamb Board Starts Work
US lamb promotion, research and information board holds first meeting.