The EU's recent zero-duty quota for high-quality beef has created growing opportunities for US beef.

The quota, which came into force in August, allows for 20,000 tonnes of high-quality beef at an in-quota tariff of zero.

EU import license allocations for US beef during the first quarter of 2010 showed an increase of 125% over allocations made last year, resulting in 2,525 tonnes. The latest EU import data show a 58% increase in US imports, with the US share of the EU's chilled beef imports rising from 7% last year to 9% in 2010.

Beef exported under the new quota must be derived from non-hormone-treated cattle (NHTC) that are less than 30 months of age. They must be on feed for at least 100 days with minimum energy and intake requirements, and carcasses must be quality graded.

American beef is beginning to gain some retail traction in Europe. Recent US Meat Export Federation promotions in selected locations have established steady volume growth for US beef sales and attracted attention from competing stores.