“After over two years of extensive negotiations and scientific and technical exchanges, the United States has been looking forward to an announcement from Taiwan authorities that Taiwan would fully open its market to American beef and beef products on the basis of the bilateral protocol we have negotiated,” said the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in a joint statement.
Both the USDA and USTR praised Taiwan for its implementation of science-based regulations that are in line with World Organization of Animal Health.
Taiwan also announced a number of other additional domestic measures regarding beef and beef products. “We are currently reviewing these measures to ensure they allow Taiwan consumers the opportunity to enjoy the same safe American beef and beef products that American families eat,” the USDA and USTR said.
Many countries closed their borders to U.S. beef imports in late December 2003 following reports of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or 'mad cow' disease, in the United States. More than 100 countries now allow U.S. beef products to enter their markets.
