Good News - U.S. Beef Returns to Taiwan

Just about everyone deeply involved in production agriculture agrees expanding access to international markets is absolutely essential to maintaining profitability and continuing domestic food production. That is why it was such good news to see the story in CattleNetwork reporting the return of U.S. bone-in-beef to Taiwan.

In fact, the five-star Sherwood Taipei Hotel is reported to use only U.S. beef in its signature restaurant. I know my fellow Texas cattlemen must be pleased to see the work being done by the Texas Beef Council, the Beef Checkoff and USDA Market Access Program funds. Now, for the sake of domestic food independence, let's hope consumers around the world continue to demand Texas beef!

Taiwan expands access to U.S. beef imports

More good news for Texas ranchers as USDA and the offices of the U.S. Trade Representative announced yesterday that Taiwan has expanded the type of beef cuts it will now import from the United States. I’ve always said our trade policies must be science-based and this is a step in the right direction, especially coming off the heels of Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin’s effort last week to try to convince the Taiwanese government to reconsider its decision to expand access to U.S. beef imports.

Contrary to what Mayor Lung-bin and a consumer group in Taiwan think, the U.S. does not want to dump its trash in Taiwan. The beef products we will offer Taiwan are the same ones that are offered and demanded by U.S. consumers.

The Taiwanese government deserves a sincere “thank you” for recognizing that trade decisions should be based not only on science, but also on demand. The promising demand in Taiwan will result in increased prices for U.S. cattle producers who, along with other agriculture producers, have been suffering extensively this past year.

To read USDA’s press release on this announcement, click here.