March 30, 2009
Argentina not to retaliate over US ban on South Patagonia beef
Argentina will not retaliate over the US ban on beef from South Patagonia, which is located in Argentina and Chile.
The restriction was formalised in a funding ban included in the US omnibus appropriations bill that went into effect as of March 11. The omnibus bill prohibited the USDA from using funds for any activities that would allow imports of beef from cattle born, raised, or slaughtered in Argentina.
Argentina hopes the US will eventually lift the ban based on scientific evidence of the safety of the meat, an official said.
The official said South Patagonia is a risk-free region for the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) according to the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) guidelines, and that Argentina has sought for market access in compliance to the guidelines.
The official reminded the US has an export-oriented beef sector and urged it to be considerate to Argentina whose beef sector operates similarly.
If South Korea or Japan implements similar regulations, it would be complicated for the US to export its beef products to those countries, the official said.
