December 26, 2003

Indonesia Bans US Beef Imports

Indonesia has temporarily imposed a ban on cattle products, with the exception of dairy goods, from the United States, an Agriculture Ministry official Bachtiar Moerad announced today.

"Imports of U.S. cattle products such as beef, lamb, and buffalo meat are temporarily banned as well as meat-related products such as skin and bones. Dairy products such as milk and cheese will still be allowed." Moerad said.

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Russia and Brazil are among other countries to impose a similar ban.

Indonesia imports most of its beef from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Imports of cattle products, including dairy goods, from United States totaled $62.32 million in 2002.