June 2, 2009

Nicaragua to allow US cattle and beef imports

Nicaragua will allow imports of live US cattle, as well as beef and beef products from cattle of all ages, according to US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

The agreement which became effective May 5 opens the entire Central America, except for El Salvador, to US cattle, beef and beef products.

With this significant boost in trade, the US will continue to press for full market access for American cattle and beef worldwide in keeping with international trade standards, Vilsack said.

Nicaragua had been closed to US animals in 2003 following reports of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the US. Nicaragua also placed restrictions that allowed imports of only boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months old. 

The market reopened partially in 2005, but the new agreement has lifted the age restrictions, allowing beef and beef products from cattle of all ages as long as the animals were slaughtered after May 5.