February 9, 2012

The age-based import restrictions on US beef has been lifted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the elimination of the Export Verification Programme requirement. 

This opening of the market could boost US exports of beef to the UAE by 20% in 2012. 

Through the first 11 months of 2011, US beef products exports to the UAE totalled 7,275 tonnes valued at approximately US$34.7 million.

"We applaud the UAE officials, representatives from Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), the USDA and the US Department of State, who collaborated closely to implement this scientifically sound policy," said AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle.

"It is our hope that other countries in the region will follow the UAE's example, relax their restrictions and allow American beef producers and packers to compete fairly in this highly competitive global market."