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TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) – Taiwan plans to reopen its markets to U.S. bone-in beef, likely sometime this month.
The move would end a six-year import ban that was in place over fears of BSE and improve ties with the United States.
Following other markets, Taiwan halted U.S. beef imports in response to the discovery of BSE in the U.S. As other markets reopened in recent years, Washington repeatedly urged the island government to let in beef again.
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A deal to allow Taiwan to import bone-in beef imports was signed by Taiwan and the U.S. Oct. 22 and is expected to ease overall relations.
“It removes an irritant that’s been nagging for as long as I can remember,” said Syd Goldsmith, a retired U.S. diplomat in Taipei who has been following the issue closely.
The deal allows imports of all beef products from cattle younger than 30 months. Imports from older cattle will be allowed later if meat from the younger ones is found safe, a U.S. official said.
Taiwan, which first issued the ban in December 2003, reopened to boneless U.S. beef in 2006, but kept the ban on bone-in beef such as ribs and T-bone steaks.
“After a strict appraisal and risk analysis proving the safety of U.S. beef, the Department of Health today announces that in addition to the boneless products now allowed, it will open to other beef,” the Taiwan government said.
Imports in millions
Taiwan, where steakhouses are fashionable and barbecues common, estimates that the U.S. bone-in beef market will exceed $60 million US per year.
Boneless beef imports to Taiwan were worth $128 million last year, according to U.S. government data.
The U.S. is the island’s second-largest trading partner, generating annual trade totalling $57 billion.
“We welcome the announcement of bilateral protocol and welcome Taiwan’s publication of its amendments,” a U.S. embassy spokesperson in Taipei said.
“The amendments are science-based and consistent with (international) guidelines.”
Prepared for a backlash from the political opposition, Taiwan’s health department said bone-in beef imports must be inspected first by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and that the island would reinstate the ban if the disease resurfaced.
