Expanding U.S. Red Meat Access in Southeast Asia
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new progress on reciprocal trade efforts involving several Southeast Asian countries. Agreements have been reached with Malaysia and Cambodia, while additional frameworks are being developed with Thailand and Vietnam. These steps mark important progress in opening new opportunities for U.S. beef and pork exports across the region.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) stated that improved access to Southeast Asian markets is especially important at this time. The U.S. beef industry currently has limited access to China, which has traditionally been a strong buyer of specific beef cuts popular in Asian food markets. Without access to this market, it is critical to build trade relationships in other countries. Cuts such as short plate, chuck short ribs, rib fingers and omasum are in high demand in Asia. Exporting these items helps American producers maximize the value of every animal and supports continued growth of the national cattle herd.
The U.S. pork sector also depends heavily on export markets to maintain growth and efficiency. Exports support availability of popular products such as ribs and bacon for American consumers, while also enabling the sale of pork parts valued more highly overseas, including feet, stomachs, brisket bones, picnics and bone-in hams. The ASEAN region provides an important alternative market to China, especially for pork variety meats.
Currently, U.S. beef and pork hold only small shares of the import markets in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. Tariff and non-tariff barriers have historically limited trade. However, new agreements are expected to improve competitiveness and create new growth opportunities for producers.
“USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region. With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide competing bids for beef cuts that are popular in Asia, but not demanded by American consumers. Exports of short plate, chuck short rib, rib fingers, omasum and other such items are critical to maximizing the value of every animal and stimulating the U.S. herd rebuild,” said USMEF President Dan Halstrom.
The livestock industry hopes for swift implementation of the agreements and continued progress in the region.
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