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Momentum continues for beef, pork demand

The president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation says he’s optimistic about long term, global demand for American beef and pork.  

Dan Halstrom says trade agreement frameworks with Indonesia and Australia have been a good first step. “I don’t think it will be huge market but it will be a significant market for high-end food service. If you look at Indonesia, we’re making progress on some trade headwinds primarily plant registrations and Hallal certifications.”  

He says exports to the Indonesian market could value $100 to $200 million annually.

He tells Brownfield Latin America has been a bright spot in recent years. “Mexico, Central America and places like Columbia and Chile in South America – they are hitting on all cylinders.”

And, Halstrom says, Japan and South Korea continue to be strong partners. “These are big markets between the two. If you had beef and pork together they’re each well over $3 billion in sales. They are big markets with a very diverse demand structure with a very wealthy population.”

He says maintaining market access in those countries is critical due to lack of demand from China. Halstrom says China should eventually come back to the table.

Dan Halstrom: