September 11, 2008

Trade barriers are preventing the US from fully capitalising on a rising world population and wealthier developing countries that demand more meat, according to Erin Daley, US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) economist.

The growth in income has direct correlation with increasing demand for red meat proteins, Daley said.

China and India account for 37 percent of the global population, with the US and the US representing only 12 percent, Daley said.

"Between the years 2005 and 2050, nine countries alone are expected to account for nearly half of the world's population growth," Daley said.

With the Doha talks stalled temporarily, the US will continue to see high tariffs in many countries which will restrict growth in red meat trade and is also likely to hinder growth in countries that are not self-sufficient in meat production, Daley said.