The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the U.S. in a dispute with Indonesia over its complex and vague import requirements for beef and beef products.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the WTO report found that all 18 of the import measures challenged by the U.S. were inconsistent with WTO rules governing trade.
The ruling marks the end of the settlement process and should open up significant new export opportunities for the U.S. beef industry in the Indonesian market.
Federation CEO Phillip Seng says, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this case and thank the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for their effective presentation of legal arguments.” Seng sees Indonesia as a very promising market for the future as it’s the fourth-most populous country in the world. However, per capita consumption is very low, which means it has the potential to become one of the largest beef importers in the world.
Beef exports to Indonesia last year totaled 10.7 million metric tons, worth $39.4 million, making it the ninth-largest U.S. export market. Exports to Indonesia over the first nine months of 2017 are 96 percent higher in volume than the same period last year.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.