U.S. Meat Export Federation Applauds New Trade Agreements with ASEAN Nations
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced reciprocal trade agreements with Cambodia and Malaysia, along with new frameworks for agreements with Vietnam and Thailand — a move that could open significant new opportunities for American red meat exports. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is welcoming the announcement as a major step forward for market access in Southeast Asia.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued a statement saying,
“USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region. With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide competing bids for beef cuts that are popular in Asia, but not demanded by American consumers. Exports of short plate, chuck short rib, rib fingers, omasum and other such items are critical to maximizing the value of every animal and stimulating the U.S. herd rebuild.”
Halstrom further emphasized the vital role of exports for both the beef and pork sectors:
“For U.S. pork, exports have been the driver of industry growth, also enabling American consumers access to the bacon and ribs they love, while maximizing whole animal value through exports of feet, stomachs, picnics, brisket bones and bone-in hams. The ASEAN region is more critical than ever as an alternative market to China, especially for pork variety meats.”
Expanding Access in Key Southeast Asian Markets
Currently, U.S. beef and pork exports hold only minor market shares in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia due to ongoing tariff and non-tariff barriers. The new agreements and frameworks aim to address these issues, paving the way for increased competitiveness and market diversification for U.S. producers.
“The growth potential is significant when these barriers are addressed through President Trump’s agreements,” Halstrom added. “USMEF looks forward to swift implementation of the agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, and hopes for further progress and implementation of agreements with Thailand and Vietnam, as well as follow through on the joint statement with Indonesia announced in July.”
The Bottom Line
As access to China remains limited, these new trade developments in Southeast Asia could provide critical relief and expansion for U.S. red meat exports. The USMEF sees this as a key opportunity to boost demand for beef and pork variety meats, support herd rebuilding, and strengthen global competitiveness for American livestock producers.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.
To read the Joint Statement, Fact Sheet, and text of the U.S.-Malaysia Agreement, click here.
To read the Joint Statement, Fact Sheet, and text of the U.S.-Cambodia Agreement, click here.
To read the Joint Statement on U.S.-Thailand Framework, click here, and to read the Fact Sheet, click here.
To read the Joint Statement on the U.S.-Vietnam Framework, click here, and to read the Fact Sheet, click here.