US and Peru sign agreement to remove beef trade barrier

The US and Peruvian Governments have entered an agreement to remove the 13-year old barrier for US beef exports to Peru.

Effective since 2009, the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) has greatly supported the rise in the trade of US beef and beef products to Peru.

However, this growth has been affected due to the certification requirements introduced by Peru in 2003.

The present agreement eliminates these barriers of export verification programme, providing expanded market access to the American stockgrowers.

US Trade Representative Michael Froman said: “Peru has been a growing market for American beef, and this agreement will only further expand opportunities for American producers and exporters.

“Not many years ago, there was little American beef going to Peru, but through the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, and agreements like this, we are seeing increased demand for high-quality American beef.”

Last year, the US exported $25.4m in beef and beef products to the South American country.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “Since 2009, the US and Peru have enjoyed one of the strongest bilateral trade relationships in the Western Hemisphere, and today it became much stronger.

“Since 2003, USDA and USTR have worked diligently to reopen and expand markets once closed to US beef. This is another win in a long line of successes that led to a near-record US beef and beef product exports in 2015.

“The Obama Administration will continue to work hard around the world to remove unfair barriers and create a more level playing for America’s farmers, ranchers, producers and rural communities.”

---

Image: In 2015, the US exported $25.4m in beef and beef products to Peru. Photo: courtesy of amenic181 via freedigitalphotos.