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Several Countries Have Recently Opened Borders to U.S. Beef

Officials from the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have made a concerted effort to restore markets for U.S. beef and beef products from cattle of all ages, in line with international standards of the World Organization for Animal Health. The four most recent additions are Costa Rica, Qatar, Ghana and Belize.

"The opening of these diverse markets demonstrates the global appetite for U.S. beef and the understanding and confidence nations place in America's science-based international standards for safety," said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer. "I think it is important to review this pattern of opened markets for their strategic placement in the world marketplace where surrounding nations and world travelers can once again enjoy the quality of American beef."

In 2003 Costa Rica and Qatar each imported over $1 million of U.S. beef and strong growth is expected. The U.S. is the number one trading partner of Belize, which is the second smallest country in Central America. Ghana is a relatively new market for U.S. beef but the country has become an important trading partner in West Africa.