September 25, 2007

Panama allows US cattle imports of all ages

Panama has agreed to import US cattle of ages, which lists the country an additional nation that has lifted tight restrictions on US beef imports, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Panama stopped importing live US cattle after bovine spongiform encephalopathy was detected in an imported Canadian cow in December 2003. Panama has already reopened its border to cattle products from the United States.

While still a small importer, Panama's US cattle imports had increased dramatically in 2003, when it imported 482 cattle valued at US$909,000 compared to 59 cattle valued at IS$127,000 imported in 2002, according to USDA spokeswoman Karen Eggert.

Panama's decision follows a similar one by Costa Rica earlier this month.

It also follows the US decision to open its borders to older Canadian cattle.

Reducing restrictions on US beef exports to such key markets as South Korea and Japan, however, has proven a tougher task. Negotiations with both countries continue.