March 8, 2006

Colombia to allow duty free imports of US beef and pork

US pork and beef industries will regain an important avenue for exports next month thanks to a new free trade treaty with Columbia.

Colombia is the third largest market in Central and South America for US pork exports. US pork export levels have fallen 50 percent since 1999, in part due to trade restrictions.

US Meat Export Federation president and chief executive officer Philip Seng hailed the agreement as the beginning of a new era of trade that will benefit both the US beef and pork industries.

The agreement will immediately eliminate duties on many US products exported to Colombia, including high-quality beef, and aims to phase out duties on all US beef and pork imports in 10 years. Colombia will also lift its ban on imports of boneless and bone-in US beef over the next three months. The agreement also requires Colombia to formally recognise the US meat inspection system and accept imports from all USDA-approved plants.

Colombia receives its pork imports from the US (36 percent), Chile (35 percent), and Canada (25 percent).