Weekly USMEF Audio Report: Taiwan Beef Agreement is Positive Step for U.S. Cattle Producers...

Oct. 27, 2009 - Last week a new trade protocol was announced between the United States and Taiwan that will expand access for U.S. beef in this important export market. Taiwan was the first Asian market to reopen to U.S. beef after the 2003 finding of BSE, and it is the sixth-largest value market for U.S. beef so far this year. But beef exports to Taiwan have been restricted to boneless muscle cuts from cattle less than 30 months of age, which has limited Taiwan’s growth potential. Under the initial phase of the new trade protocol, U.S. exports will remain limited to beef from cattle under 30 months of age, but bone-in beef cuts and variety meat – such as tripe, tongue, liver and kidney – will be allowed.

USMEF Vice Chairman Keith Miller, a farmer-stockman from Great Bend, Kan., says the new trade protocol is a very positive step forward for U.S. cattle producers. He noted that the ability to export variety meat is especially important for adding carcass value. Miller added that he is hoping to see expanded beef access soon in other Asian markets – including Japan, where U.S. exports are currently limited to beef from cattle 20 months of age and younger.

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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.

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