Taiwan, U.S. finalize trade deal expanding market access for American livestock

TAIWAN – The United States and Taiwan have finalized a trade agreement that significantly expands market access for American livestock and meat exports, while reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers that have limited trade in recent years.

Under the agreement, Taiwan will provide preferential access for U.S. wheat, beef, pork and dairy products and begin the regulatory process to allow imports of U.S. bison meat.

The deal was reached under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic & Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

U.S. livestock groups welcomed the agreement.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said Taiwan is one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. beef. 

NCBA President Gene Copenhaver said duty-free access will improve competitiveness and provide greater certainty for cattle producers, adding that strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle operations.

According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Taiwan is the fifth-largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at about $650 million. 

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said U.S. pork has been disadvantaged in Taiwan compared to the European Union and Canada, but reducing both tariffs and non-tariff barriers should help expand exports and rebuild consumer confidence in U.S. pork.

Two-way trade in goods and services between the United States and Taiwan totaled more than $185 billion in 2024. 

While the agreement still requires legislative review in Taiwan, U.S. officials said the deal marks a significant step toward a more reciprocal trade relationship and expanded opportunity for American livestock producers.

Expanding export opportunities for U.S. livestock

Taiwan committed to eliminating or reducing 99% of tariff barriers and providing preferential access for a wide range of U.S. exports. For agriculture, that includes improved access for beef, pork, lamb and sheep meat, dairy products, horticultural goods, tree nuts and pet food.

Crucially for livestock producers, Taiwan agreed to resolve and prevent non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. beef, pork, poultry and processing potatoes. The country is also committed to ensuring its sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are science- and risk-based, removing nonscientific restrictions that impede trade.

Taiwan will align its animal health measures with standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), including recognition of the U.S. protection zone for African swine fever and America’s negligible risk status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Any future import restrictions tied to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks will be limited to the county level rather than statewide bans.

The agreement also addresses regulatory issues surrounding ractopamine. Taiwan will maintain or adopt maximum residue limits consistent with Codex international standards, 90 parts per billion, for imports of beef, pork and offal products.

In addition, Taiwan agreed not to require import permits for U.S. beef, pork, poultry and egg products certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety & Inspection Service and produced at establishments listed on the FSIS Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.