For the first time since 2003, U.S. lamb and lamb products have regained access to Taiwan, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
U.S. lamb lost access to several key markets, including Taiwan, following the first U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003. The market closures were due to concerns related to scrapie, a disease similar to BSE. Asian markets that remain closed to U.S. lamb include Japan and South Korea.
“Reopening these markets has been a top priority for the lamb industry, because lack of access in Asia has been a significant obstacle for U.S. lamb exports,” said Dennis Stiffler, CEO of lamb producer Mountain States Rosen who also serves as USMEF vice chairman. “Weakness of the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar has recently reduced exports to our two largest markets. So now more than ever, U.S. lamb needs a broader range of alternative destinations.”
Last year, Taiwan imported nearly 17,714 metric tons of lamb and sheep meat products from all sources, valued at more than $74 million. In terms of value, the market was split about evenly between Australia and New Zealand – the only two supplying countries currently serving Taiwan. It was the 11th-largest export for New Zealand lamb and sheep meat in 2015 and was Australia’s 12th-largest market.
A proceeding is also underway in Japan in which regulators are examining the possibility of restoring access for U.S. lamb, according to USMEF.
Pre-BSE, Japan was a leading destination for U.S. lamb exports. Last year Japan’s lamb and sheep meat imports were slightly above Taiwan’s in volume (18,144 metric tons), but significantly higher in value at $133.6 million. Australia supplies about 70 percent of Japan’s lamb and sheep meat. The remaining share comes mostly from New Zealand, though Japan also imports small volumes from Iceland.
Through the first quarter of 2016, U.S. lamb and lamb variety meat exports totaled 2,676 metric tons, up 18 percent year-over-year. However, export value was 16 percent below last year’s pace at $4.5 million.