Taiwan Lifts U.S. Beef Product Ban

WASHINGTON - Apr 8/05 - SNS -- Taiwan will lift its ban on imports of U.S. boneless beef from animals under 30 months of age effective April 16, 2005.

"We are very pleased with this development because it is further significant progress in our efforts to reopen global markets for U.S. beef," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

"This action demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to trade in beef and beef products based on internationally accepted scientific standards for human and animal health. Our goal is the resumption of normal beef trade throughout the world and we are working tirelessly to that end."

In 2003, the United States exported more than $76 million worth of beef to Taiwan, with boneless beef products accounting for $56 million. As a result of this action, Taiwan's market is now open to more than 90% of total U.S. ruminant and ruminant products whose value had reached $325 million in 2003.