Philippines opens borders to all U.S. beef imports

Philippines opens borders to all U.S. beef imports The Philippines has announced it will open its market to all U.S. beef imports that are in compliance with international trade standards.
   The Asian country, like many, closed its borders to U.S. beef in late December 2003 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or “mad cow” disease, in a Canadian-born cow in Washington state.
   In May 2007, the World Organization for Animal Health formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for BSE. Recently, the Philippines restricted U.S. beef imports to boneless beef and offals from cattle less than 30 months of age.
   In 2003, the United States exported about $4.9 million of beef products to the Philippines. Exports of this commodity to the Philippines reached $6.3 million in 2006 when partial market access was achieved. Under the new agreement, the USDA estimates U.S. beef exports to the Philippines could potentially double in 2008.
   “The Philippines has set the standard for other Asian nations, and we will continue to press for full market access throughout the Pacific Rim,” said acting U.S. Agricultural Secretary Chuck Conner, in a statement.
   According to the USDA, more than 100 countries now allow the entry of at least some U.S. beef products.