The U.S. will begin importing beef from the United Kingdom (UK) after agreeing to the equivalence of standards on the UK’s disease control measures.
The move comes after negotiations between the two governments, who have been talking since 2016.
“It is great news that the U.S. has reopened the market to British beef. This is a win for our farmers and I look forward to seeing high-quality British beef enjoyed on tables across the U.S. very soon,” said UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss.
Currently, pork and pork products are being exported to the U.S., but this marks the importation of beef for the first time in 20 years. According to a press release from the UK government, it could potentially create $84 million worth of beef exports over five years.
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board International Market Development Director Dr. Phil Hadley said, “We have worked collaboratively with industry and government to get this agreement and we will continue to work to get this partnership over the line and to see our products in the U.S. market. Once the final administrative details are carried out, commercial trade will begin.”
The U.S. and UK are currently working on a U.S.-UK free-trade agreement.
