Last week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced the signing of a reciprocal trade agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the agreement includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat exports, including beef, where Taiwan is already the fifth largest market.
U.S. pork has been at a trade disadvantage with competitors in Taiwan with both tariff and non-tariff barriers. There are also consumer trust issues in the market related to the country’s policy on ractopamine residues. While there have been no violations or safety issues related to ractopamine in U.S. pork, Halstrom said Taiwan’s amendment of its zero-tolerance policy a few years ago generated negative publicity that has been difficult to overcome.
Halstrom said the benefits of this trade agreement extend beyond just beef and pork- lamb and bison will see increased market access as well.
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