Audio: Dominican Republic offers growth opportunities for U.S. beef, pork exports...

(Audio with Chad Russell, the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic)

Audio link: 

With U.S. exports receiving improved market access as a result of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), USMEF has been actively working to build a greater presence for U.S. beef and pork products in the Dominican Republic. According to Chad Russell, USMEF’s regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the tariff reductions and quota changes resulting from DR-CAFTA are making U.S. beef and pork more affordable in this rapidly developing market.

Audio Clip #1:              :14        Outcue:           “… because of that agreement. ”

The most recent data on beef exports to the Dominican Republic suggest a growing market for higher-quality beef cuts. While the 2008 volume (3.07 million pounds) is roughly equal to the same period last year, the value has increased by about 40 percent (from $6.31 million in 2007 compared to $8.85 million this year). Meanwhile, pork exports to the Dominican Republic have more than tripled this year, reaching almost $12 million in value in the first half of 2008. Russell says that while much of this growth has occurred at the retail level, the Dominican Republic also holds great potential due to the growing presence of restaurants, hotel and resorts.

Audio Clip #2:               :16        Outcue:           “… in the coming years.”  

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The U.S. Meat Export Federation (www.USMEF.org) is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn and soybean checkoff programs.