Taiwan to Lift Restrictions on Imports of US Pork, Beef

Taiwan plans to lift import restrictions on U.S. pork and beef, President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 28, adding that some Taiwanese restrictions, including in the agricultural sector, are blocking Taiwan from forming a “closer bond” with the U.S.

“It is undeniable that our relevant regulations, which are not yet in line with international norms, have become an obstacle to furthering Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation,” the president said in remarks translated into English in a press release. “If we can take this key step regarding US beef and pork issues, it will be an important starting point for more comprehensive Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation.”

The Taiwanese measure will set ractopamine residue levels for imports of U.S. pork and “ease restrictions” on U.S. beef imports from cattle aged 30 months or older. Tsai said the move will present an “important opportunity” for companies and supply chains affected by U.S.-China trade tensions. The move also displays Taiwan’s commitment to a potential free trade agreement with the U.S., she said.

“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,” she said. “However, we must display the commitment to both facing up to and resolving issues.” She said Taiwan still has “a way to go” before negotiating and signing a deal.

Speaking more generally about Taiwanese agricultural trade, Tsai said Taiwan plans to strengthen quarantine and inspection procedures and food labeling regulations for imported meat products. The labeling regulations will require country of origin markings and “comprehensive information” about the product to “ensure food safety.”

The U.S. applauded the move, saying it will help U.S. exporters gain more access to East Asian markets. “We look forward to the timely implementation of these actions,” the State Department said. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said the restrictions have been a “longstanding concern” for U.S. exporters. “The lifting of these restrictions will provide U.S. farmers and ranchers much needed opportunities,” Senior Vice President for International Policy John Murphy said in a statement, “and is a victory for supporters of trade liberalization in both economies.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho, also applauded the move, saying loosened restrictions on U.S. beef exports could benefit the Idaho beef industry, which is the state’s second-largest agricultural commodity. Risch also said he supports “exploring” a free trade agreement with Taiwan. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said U.S. farmers have been kept out of the Taiwan market for too long. “I’ll be following this matter closely, and look forward to an improved agricultural and economic relationship between the Taiwanese and American people,” he said in a statement.