U.S. Meat Exports See Positive Signs in Asia Following New Trade Discussions
Recent trade progress announced by President Donald Trump during a swing through Asia is creating optimism for U.S. beef and pork exports, according to Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
While details are still being finalized, Halstrom highlighted positive signs in several key markets.
In Malaysia, where the U.S. has historically faced significant non-tariff trade barriers, progress is being made. “We’re excited to see some of those barriers eliminated,” Halstrom said. He noted that while U.S. pork has made strides, “the larger potentials for US beef.”
For other markets in the region, tariffs remain the primary hurdle. In Vietnam, Halstrom stated that “relief on tariffs is going to be mandatory so we can compete on a level playing field.” He called the talks a hopeful “first step” and noted that Thailand is in a similar situation with “prohibitively high tariff rates.”
Even smaller markets like Cambodia, seen as a potential beef opportunity, are showing promise. “The commitment there for duty free access is also encouraging,” Halstrom noted. He emphasized that these Southeast Asian markets, while small individually, add up. “Won’t be a big market, but honestly, in that whole Southeast Asia region, you add all these markets together, it is significant.”
The talks also produced positive signs for resuming sales to China, where de-escalation is key.
“De-escalation of tariffs is essential, and it’s been holding back demand, obviously, on both pork and beef,” Halstrom said. He pointed to the “57% duty on pork,” explaining that while some business is occurring, “there’d be a lot more if we were back down to more reasonable levels.”
For U.S. beef in China, the challenge is different. “The real issue on beef really doesn’t have anything to do directly today with tariffs,” Halstrom explained. “It’s all about access on plant registration.”
Halstrom said the good signs extend beyond the meat sector, pointing to a resumption of trade in soybeans. He views this as confirmation that “ag exports are being looked at and prioritized.”
(As reported by John Herath for the U.S. Meat Export Federation.)
