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Hong Kong Resumes U.S. Beef Trade

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced Thursday that the Hong Kong government reopened its trade borders to U.S. boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age.

In 2003, the United States exported $90 million worth of beef and beef products to Hong Kong. It was the fifth largest market for U.S. beef products. "Since the closing of many U.S. export markets in December 2003, the United States has recovered access to markets valued at more than $2.8 billion, or 74% of the 2003 export value of $3.9 billion," Johanns says.

This agreement follows Hong Kong's determination that U.S. control measures effectively ensure the safety of our beef. USDA has worked closely with Hong Kong and others around the world to remove restrictions on imports of U.S. beef. Beef shipped to Hong Kong must be approved under the Beef Export Verification Program.

Johanns says he anticipates the trade will quickly begin.