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NCBA, USMEF Pleased With Duty Elimination by Mexico for U.S. Beef Producers

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and U.S. Meat Export Federation, supported by USDA, have led a coalition of U.S. beef industry interests looking to eliminate anti-dumping duties applied to nearly half of U.S. beef production by Mexico's Ministry of the Economy for about 10 years. After those years of putting time, money and a lot of effort into resolving the issue with Mexico, the Ministry has announced a resolution eliminating those duties. It goes into effect Wednesday. NCBA President Steve Foglesong says the resolution is a big win for all segments of the beef industry because many exporters were locked out of the top export market for the U.S. throughout the last decade due to the prohibitive duties.

USMEF Chairman Jim Peterson says it's an important development for those advocating free trade as the decision upholds the spirit and intent of NAFTA. Peterson is confident the market's performance will get better due to elimination of the duties. He says the resolution levels the playing field for all U.S. products entering Mexico and helps the U.S. regain momentum in its number one export market. Peterson points out that foreign markets are critical to the bottom line for cattle producers right now so the resolution comes as very welcome news.