Hatch Welcomes Chile’s Decision to Remove Trade Barriers for U.S. Beef

Highlights Need To Move Forward with Pending FTAs with Colombia & Panama

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today welcomed the decision by the Chilean government to immediately open its market to all ages and cuts of U.S. beef and called on the Obama Administration to move further to open Latin American markets to U.S. exports by advancing the long-stalled trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.  Hatch issued the following statement:

“Chile’s decision to remove its barriers and open its market to all cuts of U.S. beef will boost export opportunities for American cattle and beef producers.  Other countries continue to block imports of U.S. beef over alleged food safety concerns, and Chile’s action sets an example for them to follow,” said Hatch.  “Moving forward, it is imperative we act to further open other markets in the western hemisphere, and I urge the Obama Administration to do so by advancing our pending trade pacts with Colombia and Panama.  American job creators and workers are depending on it.”

Citing alleged concerns over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), Chile had limited imports of U.S. beef to boneless beef derived from cattle under 30 months of age.  The World Organization for Animal Health, which sets standards for the trade of animal products, has determined that U.S. beef can be traded safely. 

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