U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer have announced that the government of Argentina has finalized technical requirements that will allow U.S. pork to be imported into Argentina for the first time since 1992. Since the White House announced an agreement with Argentina in August 2017, technical staff from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and the office of the U.S. Trade Representative have been working with Argentina’s Ministry of Agro-Industry on new terms for market access that are practical, science-based, and consistent with relevant international animal health standards. The finalization of these technical requirements means that U.S. exports of pork and natural swine casings can now resume.
“This breakthrough is the result of efforts by this administration to help America’s farmers and ranchers reach new markets and ensure fair trade practices by our international partners,” said Perdue. “Once the people of Argentina get a taste of American pork products after all this time, we’re sure they’ll want more of it.”
The United States is the world’s top pork exporter, with global sales totaling $6.5 billion in 2017. Argentina is a potential $10-million-per-year market for America’s pork producers, with significant growth opportunities possible in subsequent years.