March 19, 2013

US meat associations urge settlement on Indonesia's beef import measures

The American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Renderers Association and North American Meat Association penned their support of efforts by the US Trade Representative (USTR) to bring an end to Indonesia's trade barriers to US beef. 

On January 10, the United States requested consultations concerning certain measures imposed by Indonesia on the importation of horticultural products, animals and animal products into Indonesia. Indonesia subjects importers of these products to an import licensing regime for horticultural products and for animal and animal products pursuant to which an importer must complete multiple steps prior to importing those products into Indonesia. 

"If Indonesia has scientific evidence to show just cause for its restrictions on US beef and beef products, then it should present the evidence immediately for scientific review, otherwise, it should cease immediately with these unnecessary restrictions on US beef and beef products," the groups wrote. 

"Allowing countries like Indonesia to place arbitrary restrictions on US beef sets a dangerous precedent if they are allowed to go unanswered. We encourage USTR to address these issues with any and all means necessary and remedy this situation as soon as possible."