USMEF Responds to EU Deforestation Regulation Delay and Impacts on U.S. Meat Exports
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is closely monitoring developments as the European Union moves to delay the implementation of its EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). This delay could have major implications for U.S. meat exports.
USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis, Erin Borer, recently addressed how the EU’s actions—and the response from the U.S.—could influence trade flows.
“It’s important that there is continued mentioning that simplification is needed and specifically for example, for a zero or negligible risk category that actually results in lesser requirements, less burden for those countries.”
The need for regulatory simplification is gaining traction within the EU itself, with several member states—including Germany and Sweden—pushing for meaningful changes that would ease compliance burdens for low-risk trade partners.
“And so again, within the EU, including from countries like Germany and including Sweden with leadership right now, there is an internal push to have true simplification.”
As part of the ongoing U.S.-EU trade relationship, the United States has been recognized as a negligible risk country under the EUDR. This designation implies that U.S. exporters should not face excessive compliance hurdles.
“And then for the United States, we know in the U.S.-EU joint statement that the EU recognizes the U.S. as negligible risk and essentially committed to not have undue damage done to our trade because of EUDR.”
Behind the scenes, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other government agencies have worked diligently to protect American interests in global trade discussions, including WTO forums.
“USTR worked very diligently and they have continued, the U.S. government has continued to raise this issue, including in the WTO forums.”
The U.S. is not alone in voicing concerns. Multiple nations have raised objections to the EUDR’s current structure.
“So and the U.S. is not alone. There are many countries that continue to raise concerns about the EUDR. But yes, in the U.S.-EU agreement, the EU Deforestation Regulation was one of the specific points that was noted.”
“So I do think that that is an important piece and the simplification that may get proposed going forward in a way could help meet what looks like was committed between the U.S. and the EU.”
As global trade tensions evolve, U.S. beef and pork exporters remain watchful of how EUDR policy shifts could shape market access in the EU.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.