November 29, 2007

Texas cattle association eyes revival of US beef exports

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association Annual Convention in San Antonio expressed optimism in recovering export markets despite challenges this year.

The Texas convention was a joint presentation by USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Chuck Lambert and US Meat Export Federation President and CEO Phil Seng.

Seng projects US beef exports to rise back to levels before bovine spongiform encephalopathy occurred in the United States in December 2003. He expects to be back at pre-BSE levels by 2009 or 2010.

Currently, Mexico remains the top importer of US beef at around 400,000 metric tonnes. Seng says Japan and South Korea should join Mexico at the 400,000 metric tonnes threshold at some point after 2010.

Exports to Canada are also picking up, according to Seng. He anticipates it to reach 120,000 million tonnes and will gradually increase over the years.

Meanwhile, Lambert says US negotiators continue to push for acceptance of World Organization for Animal Health standards.