An agreement between the U.S. and Taiwan grants U.S. beef exports duty-free access to the Taiwan market, eliminating tariffs and reducing non-tariff barriers.
On Feb. 12, the U.S. and Taiwan signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States of America and Taiwan.
“The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Taiwan will eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers facing U.S. exports to Taiwan, furthering opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, workers, small businesses, and manufacturers,” Greer said.
He added that the agreement builds on the U.S.’ economic and trade relationship with Taiwan and will enhance the resiliency of the U.S.’ supply chains.
Agreement details
The agreement will eliminate or reduce 99% of tariff barriers, according to an Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) fact sheet. Taiwan will provide preferential market access for U.S. industrial exports and agricultural exports, including horticultural products, wheat, beef and beef products, dairy products, pork and pork products, lamb and sheep meat, tree nuts, dog and cat food, ketchup, and peanuts.
Taiwan plans to increase its purchases of important U.S. goods, including $44.4 billion worth of liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion worth of civil aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion worth of power equipment, power grids, materials, generators, storage facilities, marine equipment, steel-making equipment and other equipment from 2025-29.
The U.S. will reduce its tariffs on goods from Taiwan, applying the higher of either the U.S. Most Favored Nation tariff rate or a tariff rate of 15%. The U.S. also identified certain products that will not be subject to a reciprocal tariff.
Taiwan must ensure its sanitary and phytosanitary measures are science- and risk-based and not functioning as disguised trade barriers. The country also may not adopt stricter standards through deals with other trading partners that indirectly shut out U.S. products. In addition, Taiwan may not add new certification demands that slow trade. If the country proposes new food safety or technical rules, the U.S. must get advance notice and an opportunity to give input.
On the beef side of things, Taiwan may not adopt measures inconsistent with the World Organization for Animal Health on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and must recognize the U.S. as a negligible risk country for BSE. The country also must use maximum residue levels established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for ractopamine residue limits.
Taiwan will also reduce border inspections and eliminate the per-box inspection procedures and thawing inspection procedures for beef and beef products. Import permits will not be required for beef and beef products, and plants approved by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will automatically be eligible for export to Taiwan.
Industry support
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said the deal includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat.
“USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s dedication to resolving Taiwan’s tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. red meat through the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
U.S. beef exports to Taiwan are valued at about $650 million, he said, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan. The country is the fifth largest export market for U.S. beef.
“But there is still potential for further growth with the increased access for all U.S. beef products, including those in high demand for yakiniku barbecue and trendy burger concepts,” Halstrom said. “The elimination of tariffs on U.S. beef will definitely improve our competitiveness.”
Halstrom added that the agreement also clarifies access for U.S. bison and removes tariffs on U.S. lamb, and that reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers should also help U.S. pork exports.
USMEF thanks the Trump administration for the continued focus on breaking down barriers for U.S. agricultural exports and we look forward to the successful implementation of the Taiwan agreement,” Halstrom said.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said the agreement strengthens one of the most important and fastest growing markets for U.S. beef.
“Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty for producers who depend on export markets to maximize the value of every animal,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Foreign markets play a critical role in producer profitability with beef exports accounting for more than $415 per fed cattle processed in 2024.” — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
