U.S. Beef Returns to Taiwan

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U.S. Beef Returns to Taiwan

U.S. beef arrived in Taiwan stores yesterday for the first time since June, Taiwan News reports.

According to the news organization, U.S. beef prices were expected to be higher due to strong consumer demand and increased transportation costs.

The beef shipment comes just three weeks after Ag Secretary Mike Johanns' announcement Jan. 25 that Taiwan would resume trade of U.S. boneless beef from animals less than 30 months of age.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States exported more than $76 million worth of beef to Taiwan in 2003, with boneless beef products accounting for $56 million.

Taiwan reopened its market to U.S. beef in April 2005, but closed it again in June 2005 following the confirmation of a second U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

 

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Costa Rica lifts beef ban!

Costa Rica has lifted its ban on U.S. beef imports, the American Meat Institute (AMI) reported yesterday.

According to AMI, the country has agreed to allow imports of boneless U.S. beef, tongues, kidneys, livers and hearts. Costa Rica will not mandate a beef export verification (BEV) program if "the slaughter or processing plant is dedicated exclusively to production of beef products from animals less than 30 months of age, and does not use imported beef products."



Thailand Opens Doors to Boneless Beef!

Final trade negotiations have been made, and Thailand has announced it will allow imports of U.S. boneless beef, according to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).

According to NCBA, the delay in Thailand's reopening has been due to setbacks in U.S.-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. A 50% tariff on beef imports has also been a hindrance. NCBA reports that the U.S. exported 1.66 million pounds (lb.) of beef and variety meats to Thailand in 2003.