Taiwan’s move to ease US beef and pork imports for potential future trade prompts claim of about-face

Ractopamine-enhanced pork will be allowed under the new rules, but some local governments pledge to maintain a ban on meat grown with the additive

Taiwanese President Tsai says the decision could lead to better Taiwan-US trade but opposition Kuomintang argues that local farmers will lose out

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Packaged meat at a supermarket in Taipei. President Tsai Ing-wen has announced that Taiwan will ease restrictions on importing US pork and beef from cattle over 30 months old to promote Taiwan-US trade ties. Washington has repeatedly urged Taiwan to lift pork and beef restrictions, calling it the main obstacle to signing a Taiwan-US free-trade pact. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:30pm, 31 Aug 2020Updated: 11:44pm, 31 Aug 2020

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has come under fire from the opposition camp for lifting a ban on United States beef and pork after breaking her promise to hold a public discussion before her government would take any action.

In an announcement that caught many from the political and public sectors off guard, Tsai declared the easing of restrictions on US beef and pork from next year by allowing imports of pork containing ractopamine, an additive that enhances leanness, and beef from cattle aged 30 months and older.

“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 in a hastily called news conference on Friday.

“If we can take one crucial step forward on the issue of US pork and beef, it will be an important start for Taiwan-US economic cooperation at all fronts,” she said.

While it may take a while to reach a bilateral trade agreement or a free-trade pact with Washington, Tsai said she had a positive attitude on the issue.

The US was an important trading partner for Taiwan, and the decision had nothing to do with the upcoming US presidential election, she stressed.

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