On Friday, Taiwan's President Tsai-Ing-wen said the territory would soon lift restrictions on U.S. pork and beef, paving the way for an eventual free trade agreement. Tsai said she has instructed the relevant ministries to set permissible ractopamine residue levels for imported pork and to ease restrictions on the import of beef from U.S. cattle ages 30 months or older based on the prerequisite of ensuring the health of citizens and in accordance with scientific evidence and international standards.

Tsai emphasized that the government, following a comprehensive assessment, has concluded that, at this point, further easing restrictions on imports of beef and pork from the U.S. is a decision consistent with its overall national interests and future strategic development goals.

“It is also a decision that promotes Taiwan-U.S. relations, satisfies food safety standards and ensures that the incomes of pig farmers are not adversely affected,” according to a statement from the government of Taiwan.

Tsai said the government will implement stringent safety controls, strengthen quarantine and inspection procedures for imported meat products and implement food product labeling regulations.

“Taiwan is a significant and critical trade partner of the U.S., and Taiwan and American businesses have close cooperative relationships, but it is undeniable that our relevant regulations, which are not yet in line with international norms, have become an obstacle to furthering Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation,” Tsai said during remarks made at the Presidential Office Building Entrance Hall on Aug. 28. “I trust that if we can take this key step regarding U.S. beef and pork issues, it will be an important starting point for more comprehensive Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation.”

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The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) noted that since 2007, Taiwan has denied market access to U.S. pork raised with ractopamine despite an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety of the feed additive. Ractopamine is widely used as a feed ingredient in global beef and pork production. It is approved for use in production by nearly 30 nations and by Codex Alimentarius, the international standard-setting organization. Imports of pork raised with ractopamine are accepted by 75 countries. Although ractopamine use by hog farmers is not widespread, it is a safe and acceptable option.

“NPPC appreciates that Taiwan is indicating it will soon lift all non-tariff barriers to U.S. pork and is grateful for the work of the U.S. Trade Representative and the [U.S. Department of Agriculture] to tear down barriers to U.S. pork exports all over the world,” NPPC said in its Capital Update on Aug. 28.

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“NPPC will continue to defend the right of U.S. hog farmers to use production processes and products that are safe. NPPC opposes government mandates that, with no scientific backing, dictate production practices and unnecessarily increase food prices and inhibit consumer choice,” NPPC added in the weekly newsletter.

Tsai said government agencies in Taiwan also conducted health risk assessments of pork and beef products containing ractopamine in 2012 and 2019. “Their findings all showed that there is no health safety risk when ractopamine levels are below the limit set by Codex Alimentarius,” she said.

In addition, since 2013, the U.S. has been listed by the World Organization for Animal Health as having "negligible risk" for bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Similarly, in 2019 the Ministry of Health & Welfare conducted a rigorous risk assessment and also concluded that there is no safety risk.

Tsai said, “We will strengthen quarantine and inspection procedures for imported meat products. We will implement food product labeling regulations, indicating country of origin and providing consumers with sufficient information to make choices.” 

Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Assn. senior director of international trade and market access, said the announcement underscores the importance of the relationship between Taiwanese consumers and American cattle producers.

“By lifting the age-based restriction on U.S. beef, Taiwan will confirm the long-held understanding that the best trade relationships are based on objective, science-based standards that ensure consumers have steady access to a safe food supply.”

Bacus noted that many other countries also recognize the safety of U.S. cattle and have lifted similar age-based restrictions. “This is an important step forward for Taiwan, and we encourage their adoption of internationally recognized, science-based standards. Taiwan is one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. beef, and Taiwanese consumers can be assured that we will continue serving them the same high-quality, safe and delicious beef that we serve our families,” he concluded.

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) welcomed the steps by Taiwan to brings its measures in line with international standards.

“I welcome this progress, since our farmers have been kept out of this market for too long. Taiwan’s leadership will need to work with the legislature to finalize this process, but that’s to be expected, since Taiwan is a vibrant democracy. I’ll be following this matter closely and look forward to an improved agricultural and economic relationship between the Taiwanese and American people,” Grassley said in a statement Friday.