The U.S. Meat Export Federation is holding its strategic planning conference in Tucson, Arizona this week. USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom says they’re very optimistic about trade in the Pacific Rim, especially with increased demand in China tied to African Swine Fever and the pending completion of the U.S. Japan trade agreement. The deal is expected to be approved by the Japanese government which would allow lower import duties starting in January.
He says meat exports to Japan could expand in 2020 as tariffs drop and the U.S. regains market share that was lost prior to the bilateral deal. Halstrom says the U.S. is regaining market share at the same time one of the U.S.’s top beef competitors, Australia is seeing its herd shrink due to drought.
Senior vice president for the Asian Pacific Market Joel Haggard says the pork shortage in China caused by African swine fever continues to overcome high import tariffs on U.S. pork. He says U.S. pork exports were record high to China in July and August.
Halstrom says they’re also anticipating approval of the USMCA trade deal. Plus working in developing regions such as Central and South America, southeast Asia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Africa.
