USMEF: Indo-Pacific Region Holds Great Potential For U.S. Cattle Producers

The Administration is gearing up for talks with key trading partners when it comes to the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The hope is the strategy will strengthen trade relationships with allies in Asia. Travis Arp, Assistant Vice President of Export Services with U.S. Meat Export Federation, said there are very few details right now regarding what the economic framework will entail.

“They see it as an opportunity to work with counties across the Asia Pacific region to address various issues related to markets access and barriers to trade, and help open these markets to U.S. exporters looking at issues like science-based trade, good regulatory practices and transparency with regulations.”

Arp noted these issues can help increase opportunities for U.S. exporters in a variety of sectors. He said when it comes to additional trade priorities for the red meat industry, USMEF is focusing on establishing regionalization agreements related to foreign animal disease, and also promoting the idea that USTR should consider addressing tariffs, quotas, import licensing schemes within these countries.

Arp added the Indo-Pacific trade talks could be a big win for America cattle producers.

“If there's an opportunity to address some of these systemic barriers to trade. So for example, gaining more beef access into markets, like Korea and creating more opportunities for plants to get approved in markets like Malaysia and Indonesia, then this could potentially pose a significant boost to red meat exports in the future, providing that those issues can get addressed within the framework.

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