China’s Ministry of Agriculture has announced that China’s ban on imports of U.S. beef has been officially lifted. This following a promise by China’s Premier they would be opening their market to U.S. beef trade after a ban imposed since 2003 due to BSE concerns. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says China must still negotiate with USDA the conditions that will apply to U.S. beef exports entering this market.
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Todd Wilkinson is encouraged by the announcement and says it gives a psychological boost to cattle producers who’ve been hampered by depressed prices.
Wilkinson says it’s encouraging to see a market opening at a time when cattle producers have been looking for some positive news.
China’s Premier says the U.S. has very good beef and they don’t want to deny their citizens the right to enjoy it.
