July 14, 2008

Indonesia lifts ban on New Zealand beef

Less than a week after the ban was announced, Indonesia has backtracked on its decision as it lifted the ban on New Zealand beef, which was said to have inadequate halal labelling.

The ban was lifted on Friday (July 11, 2008) after New Zealand promised to improve packaging to follow Indonesian requirements, according to Tjeppy Soedjana, director-general of livestock at Indonesia's Agriculture Ministry.

New Zealand was surprised by the sudden ban but it managed to change Indonesia's mind after a meeting between the two countries' trade officials.

Last Monday, Indonesia imposed a temporary ban on beef imports from New Zealand, saying that New Zealand fail to meet halal labelling standards as the labels were on stickers rather than printed directly onto packaging.

New Zealand's trade minister Phil Goff said during the meeting he expressed concern that the ban was imposed without notice and without prior dialogue, and that any concerns Indonesia may have should be worked out between officials.

The beef trade is worth NZ$100 million (US$76 million), with New Zealand being Indonesia's biggest beef supplier.