Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/16/10

U.S. officials said Wednesday that China has agreed to continue discussion on expanding access to imports of U.S. beef, with the goal of re-opening that market sometime early next year.

USDA and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office issued a joint statement on developments following completion of the 21st session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington.

“I am pleased with the progress made today towards resolving our differences on beef access,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.  “Technical talks will resume as soon as possible with the goal of re-opening China’s market in early 2011.  This is a vital outcome for our farmers and ranchers, underscoring the importance of the JCCT in providing a forum for our stakeholders.”

Beef industry leaders expressed optimism about the potential to serve the world’s most populous country.
“Open trade between our nations is in our mutual best interest,” American Meat Institute President J. Patrick Boyle said in a statement.

JCCT is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade issues and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.

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