Saudi Arabia has reopened its market to U.S. beef following a four year ban due to concerns over B.S.E. Iowa Cattlemen’s Association President Dr. Phil Reemtsma says they’re pleased with the development as countries in that area want U.S. beef.

Saudi Arabia will immediately allow beef imports from cattle less than 30 months old and following a phase in period will then let in beef products from cattle under 48 months old. He says the timing couldn’t be better.

Reemtsma says the U.S. has a definite trade advantage over other countries for shipping beef to Saudi Arabia.

Prior to the B.S.E. ban, the U.S. shipped over $31 million in beef products to Saudi Arabia in 2011.