Geneva – U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns welcomed Thailand’s decision to lift its ban on most imports of U.S. beef.

"We are pleased that Thailand has decided to reopen its market to U.S. beef," said Ambassador Portman. "I applaud Thailand’s move, which reflects the spirit of the close trade relationship we are seeking to enhance through our Free Trade Agreement."

"I commend Thailand officials for recognizing that U.S. beef is among the safest in the world and reopening their market to U.S. beef," said Secretary Johanns. "It is now time for Japan, South Korea, China, and other Asian markets to follow suit. There is no justifiable reason for borders to be closed to U.S. beef."

The United States has been working with Thailand and other countries around the world to remove the remaining restrictions on imports of U.S. beef. Upon review, Thailand determined that U.S. control measures assure the safety of U.S. beef.

BACKGROUND

Thailand has prohibited imports of U.S. beef since December 2003, following the detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a single cow of Canadian origin in Washington State. Thailand represents a growing market for U.S. beef once trade resumes and upon the completion and implementation of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). U.S. agricultural exports to Thailand increased 67 percent since 1999, from $409 million to a record $685 million in 2004, making it the 17th largest market for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

In 2003, President Bush announced his intent to enter into FTA negotiations with Thailand in accordance with the legislative procedures specified by Congress. The United States and Thailand have held five rounds of FTA negotiations, and will meet again in November.