Taiwan lifting US beef, pork import restrictions an ‘important start for economic cooperation’, Tsai Ing-wen says
- Taiwan has long sought a free-trade agreement with the US, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for pork and beef
- US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar visited Taiwan earlier this month and floated the prospect of renewing long-running US-Taiwan trade talks
Taiwan paved the way for an eventual free trade deal with the United States on Friday by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of beef and pork as the island looks to boost ties with Washington at a time of tensions with China.
Speaking at the presidential office in Taipei, President Tsai Ing-wen said her government planned to allow the import of US pork containing ractopamine, an additive that enhances leanness, and allow in beef older than 30 months old.
Taiwan-US trade last year was worth US$85.5 billion, with the US running a US$23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the US’ 14th biggest export market in 2019.
The decision is in line with the country’s overall interests and the goals of the nation’s strategic development. It’s also a decision that could boost Taiwan-US ties
“The decision is in line with the country’s overall interests and the goals of the nation’s strategic development. It’s also a decision that could boost Taiwan-US ties,” she said.
While it may take a while to reach a bilateral trade agreement with the US, Tsai said she had a positive attitude on the issue.
The US is an “extremely important” trade partner for Taiwan, and the decision has nothing to do with the upcoming US presidential election, she added.
Taiwan-US trade last year was worth US$85.5 billion, with the US running a US$23.1 billion deficit. Taiwan was the US’ 14th biggest export market in 2019.
The US, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing as sovereign Chinese territory. China has been stepping up its military activities near Taiwan.
Export-dependent, tech powerhouse Taiwan has trade pacts already with Singapore and New Zealand, and has been pushing for an investment agreement with the European Union.
