Weekly USMEF Audio Report: U.S. Beef Gains Further Access in Taiwan

April 6, 2010 - Late last week, Taiwan approved selected categories of beef offal for import from the United States, further expanding the potential for growth of U.S. beef exports to this key Asian market. Approved items include beef skirts and hanging tenders, which have enjoyed considerable success in Asia. Selected variety meat items such as liver and kidneys are not yet fully approved, but are under consideration.

Kevin Smith, USMEF director of export services for the Asian markets, says Taiwan’s latest expansion of access for U.S. beef is very positive news for the industry. Last year Taiwan set a new value record for imports of U.S. beef at $141.2 million - up 11 percent from 2008 - despite some controversy over the inclusion of bone-in beef cuts for the first time since 2003. The market has also been off to a strong start in 2010.

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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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