Taiwan Eases Restrictions on US Beef, Pork Imports

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announced Friday that she has instructed her government ministries to relax restrictions on imports of American Beef and Pork—a move she said was consistent with Taiwans “overall national interests and future strategic development goals.”

Tsai said in a statement that, following a comprehensive assessment, Taiwan will ease restrictions on imports of U.S. beef from cattle aged 30 months or older.

The Taiwanese government will also set permissible residue levels for the animal food additive ractopamine in imported pork. Ractopamine is commonly used in animal feedstuffs in the United States to ensure leaner cuts of meat, and to increase animal feed conversion rates. According to the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council, ractopamine residues in U.S. meat products had been an insurmountable obstacle for trade talks between the 2 parties for over a decade.

Encouraging news out of #Taiwan: Big step toward expanded mkt access for US #beef & #pork consistent w/ science-based intl standards & longstanding commitments. Looking fwd to final action from Taiwan so consumers there can enjoy more safe, delicious US #meat products. pic.twitter.com/QDw2ZHAqk7

— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) August 28, 2020

“I trust that if we can take this key step regarding U.S. beef and pork issues, it will be an important starting point for more comprehensive Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation,” said Tsai. “In the future, we can develop a more dynamic and vigorous economic and trade strategy. For industries, especially traditional industries, that have been impacted over the past two years by the U.S.-China trade conflict and the pandemic, this is an important opportunity.”

Tsai said that from Congress to the U.S. business community, “There are clear expectations of building deeper economic and trade ties with Taiwan, which includes the potential of a Taiwan-U.S. bilateral trade agreement (BTA).”

U.S. Department of State spokesman, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that the State Department welcomed the development. “We look forward to the timely implementation of these actions, which will provide greater access for U.S. farmers to one of East Asias most vibrant markets, and for Taiwan consumers to high-quality U.S. agricultural products. President Tsais vision and leadership in removing these long-standing barriers open the door to greater economic and trade cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.”

The U.S. welcomes President Tsai Ing-Wens August 28 statement that Taiwan will move quickly to lift restrictions on imports of U.S. pork and beef. This move opens the door for even deeper economic and trade cooperation. Kudos to President Tsai for her leadership.

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 28, 2020

Bilateral Trade Relationship Mooted

The announcement was warmly welcomed by trade bodies and the U.S. government.

“It is hard to calibrate how quickly U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will respond to this bold unilateral move by President Tsai,” said U.S.-Taiwan Council President, Rupert Hammond-Chambers, in a statement. “There is strong support for a BTA within Congress, as well as from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and State, and from the National Security Council.”

The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), said, “Taiwan is an important friend and partner of the United States, and a model for democracy in the Indo-Pacific.”

“Opening up additional trade and economic avenues with Taiwan, whichRead More – Source