November 19, 2007

Philippines reopens full market for US beef

The Philippines has resumed imports of all US beef and beef products of all ages, which could double US shipments to US$12.6 million in 2008, the US Agriculture Department (USDA) said on Friday (November 16).

The country has limited US beef imports to boneless beef and offal from cattle less than 30 months of age due to mad cow disease.

Prior to the ban, the US exported US$4.9 million of beef and beef products to the Philippines in 2003. 

US beef exports to the Philippines reached US$6.3 million last year when cattle younger than 30 months of age were allowed. Under this new agreement, USDA estimated that US beef exports to the Philippines could potentially double in 2008.

USDA has encouraged other countries, including Japan and South Korea, to adopt international beef guidelines by accepting US bone-in beef and meats from cattle of all ages.

A decision by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in May, which gave the United States a "controlled risk" status for beef safety gave hope to US to strengthen its beef exports there has been little change so far.