US Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and US Trade Representative Rob Portman have welcomed Thailand’s decision to lift its ban on most imports of US beef.

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“I commend Thailand officials for reopening their market to US beef and recognising that it is among the safest in the world. It is now time for Japan, South Korea, China, and other Asian markets to follow suit. There is no justifiable reason for borders to be closed to US beef,” said Johanns.


“We are pleased that Thailand has decided to reopen its market to US beef,” added Portman. “I applaud Thailand’s move, which reflects the spirit of the close trade relationship we are seeking to enhance through our Free Trade Agreement.”


The United States has been working with Thailand and other countries around the world to remove the remaining restrictions on imports of US beef.


Thailand has prohibited imports of US beef since December 2003, following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a single cow in Washington State.

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US agricultural exports to Thailand increased 67% since 1999, from US$409m to a record $685m in 2004, making it the 17th largest market for US farmers and ranchers.

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