Colombia seeks access to US beef market amid cattle shortage

Colombian beef producers are urging the government to accelerate sanitary approval for access to the US market, where a shrinking cattle herd is creating additional demand for imported meat. According to Fedegán, the US cattle herd stands at 86.2 mln head, the lowest level in 75 years, while Colombia has around 30 mln head.

Amid tight domestic supplies and high prices, the US has authorized an additional 300 thsd tons of beef imports over a 90-day period. The Colombian Cattle Federation, Fedegán, sees this as an opportunity for domestic producers to establish a presence in one of the world’s largest meat markets.

Colombia’s production structure could provide an additional advantage. A significant share of the country’s cattle is grass-fed, allowing it to produce lean beef. The US market needs this type of meat, particularly for blending with fattier beef in ground beef production.

However, Colombian beef does not yet have the required sanitary access to the US market. Fedegán is calling on government agencies to accelerate the approval of requirements related to animal health, traceability and product controls. The federation stresses that it is not seeking any relaxation of US sanitary standards.

The free trade agreement between Colombia and the US has been in force for 14 years, but Colombian beef has yet to gain access to the US market. With the US cattle herd declining, completion of sanitary procedures could open a major new export destination for Colombia’s beef industry.

Tags: Beef cattle, USA, Colombia