Requested rule changes would allow imports of pork containing ractopamine and beef from calves over 30 months of age.

Farm Progress
Date: Jan 04, 2021
By: Jacqui Fatka 

In August, Taiwan said it would lift restrictions on U.S. pork and beef imports, and in a New Year’s Address on Jan. 1, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen again called for support for the action in order to improve U.S. trade relations.

Tsai previously instructed the relevant ministries to set permissible ractopamine residue levels for imported pork and ease restrictions on the import of beef from U.S. cattle aged 30 months or older in accordance with scientific evidence and international standards.

“From the recent discussions and disputes surrounding the decision to further open the domestic market to beef and pork importation that meets international standards, I fully understand why previous administrations could not follow through with their promises to do that,” Tsai says. “Taiwan depends on trade to survive. This issue was left pending by three successive administrations, so there was no way to avoid it.”

She adds, “With utmost humility, I ask my fellow citizens for your understanding, and hope everyone knows that we thought long and hard before making this decision.”
[FULL  STORY]