December 10, 2012

USMEF sees possibility for meat exports to Sri Lanka

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is looking into untapped markets for meat exports, especially those with favourable economic and political circumstances.

One example is Sri Lanka, where USMEF recently conducted an in-depth market evaluation using funding provided through the USDA Market Access Programme (MAP).

Recently, Sri Lankans have enjoyed a much more peaceful existence, which has led to economic growth and a revitalized tourism sector. Sri Lanka's GDP grew by more than 8% last year, to about US$60 billion.

Joel Haggard, USMEF senior vice president for the Asia Pacific region, points out that Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) was once a leading tourist destination and is looking to return to this status. Sri Lanka has been closed to US meat, particularly beef, since 2003, but this issue may be revisited soon in light of the improving economic climate. Haggard says opportunities also exist for US pork, especially pork cuts used for further processing.