Israel Open to U.S. Beef for First Time since 2003

Israel has reopened to U.S. beef for the first time since December 2003. Israel was one of many countries to suspend imports of U.S. beef following confirmation of the first BSE case in the United States, and is one of the last to lift its BSE-related restrictions. The reopening became effective Jan. 13.

Although Israel imposes very strict kosher slaughter and handling requirements on its beef suppliers, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Philip Seng says there could be opportunities in the market for some U.S. companies. He also notes the significance of yet another BSE-related market closure coming to an end.

Currently, Argentina and Uruguay are Israel’s largest beef suppliers, followed by Brazil and Paraguay. Israel also imports small volumes from Australia and the European Union.

On Friday, Jan. 15, South Africa also reopened to U.S. beef for the first time since 2003. USMEF is still examining the terms of this reopening.


TRANSCRIPT:

Joe Schuele: In this U.S. Meat Export Federation report, we speak with USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng about Israel re-opening to U.S. beef. The market is open for the first time since December 2003, when Israel was one of many countries to suspend imports of U.S. beef following confirmation of the United States first BSE case. Although Israel imposes very strict kosher, slaughter and handling requirements on its beef suppliers, Seng says the re-opening could create opportunities for some U.S. companies.

Philip Seng: Israel is an important ally to the United States and it was our first country that we ever did an FTA with, so I think that alone is important, and finally after all these years from BSE, to have Israel now accepting U.S. product again is very important. I would encourage plants in the United States to take a look at this. Israel is about a 75,000 metric ton market. Our competitors primarily are Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay - the Southern Cone countries. But obviously it’s a market that’s pretty steady, and so to me I think there’s a lot of opportunity in Israel, and I think we’re going to take another look at this from the marketing standpoint to see what we can do to get more product in there.

Joe Schuele: Seng adds that Israel’s re-opening marks further progress in the U.S. beef industry’s effort to eliminate BSE-related trade restrictions.

Philip Seng: When we look at the ledger, we had about 76 countries “x-ed” us out when it came to BSE, and so we’re gradually whittling down that list, and now we’re down to the single digits, so I think it’s been a long and concerted effort, but yes, to see a country abide by the international regulations and to open their market is very encouraging for us.

Joe Schuele: The U.S. industry received further good news on Friday when South Africa also re-opened to U.S. beef for the first time since 2003. USMEF is still examining the terms of that re-opening. For more on this and other trade issues, please visit USMEF.org. For the U.S. Meat Export Federation, I'm Joe Schuele.