As reported in last week’s Export Newsline, Hong Kong is now fully open to U.S. beef – including non-vertebral bone-in cuts from cattle more than 30 months of age.

It is important to note, however, that the range of U.S. beef products accepted by Macau did not change with last week’s announcement by Hong Kong. Located about 40 miles west of Hong Kong across the Pearl River estuary, Macau receives most of its food imports by ferry from the deepwater seaport in Hong Kong.

Any U.S. beef cuts re-exported to Macau through Hong Kong must comply with all requirements that were in place for Hong Kong prior to June 17. In particular, all bone-in cuts destined for Macau must still be derived from cattle less than 30 months of age. Because the new Food Safety and Inspection Service letterhead certificate for Hong Kong no longer certifies the age of the cattle from which bone-in beef is derived, bone-in cuts entering Macau must have a separate declaration indicating that these cuts were derived from cattle less than 30 months of age.

USDA officials in Hong Kong are attempting to engage Macau authorities in order to have Hong Kong’s new terms of access recognized by Macau as well. But until this is achieved, exporters serving the region should work closely with their importers and distributors to ensure that only compliant beef products are shipped to Macau.

Exporters with questions about the range of eligible beef products for Macau or Hong Kong may email Travis Arp or call 303-623-6328.