Historic deal boosts U.S. pork exports and opens Taiwan market
In a significant win for American pork producers, the United States has finalized a trade agreement with Taiwan that opens new opportunities for exports and strengthens international trade.
This achievement comes after more than 15 years of effort by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) to reduce trade barriers in Taiwan, a high-value market for U.S. pork.
“Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid off. This means more U.S. pork on international tables and more opportunities and prosperity for American producers,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.
Taiwan will follow maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for ractopamine in pork, ensuring compliance with international safety standards. Import licensing and registration requirements that previously restricted U.S. pork shipments have been removed.
Inspection processes are also being simplified. The agreement ends 100% batch-by-batch inspections for ractopamine and country of origin labeling, replacing them with inspections based on a facility’s compliance history. Taiwan will accept exports from all USDA-inspected plants listed in the Meat and Poultry Inspection Directory without requiring additional audits.
Export certificates issued by the USDA and electronic data elements will be recognized, while unnecessary attestations are minimized. Additionally, Taiwan will recognize the African swine fever protection zones established by the United States within six months.
This historic agreement strengthens the position of U.S. pork in the global market, supporting farmers with increased opportunities and more predictable trade conditions. By reducing barriers and streamlining export procedures, American producers are poised to benefit from higher sales, more stable markets, and long-term growth in one of Asia’s key pork markets.
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