Slow and steady wins the race for U.S. beef in emerging markets

by | Nov 30, 2017 | 5 Ag Stories, News

After being barred for nearly fourteen years, the U.S. beef industry has finally made headway and reached an agreement with the Chinese government.

Dan Halstrom is the new CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Halstrom says the year-to-date volume of U.S. beef into China is about 1,100 tons. While some would like to see the number higher, Halstrom and USMEF mentioned at the beginning – this market would take some time to fully mature. Given enough time, USMEF believes this market will prove important as it continues to grow.

Pork production and demand are high because of China. The same goes for soybeans. So why not beef?

Halstrom spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn about USMEF’s efforts to help nurture new markets in Asia.

“Everyone wishes it was more,” Halstrom said. “The good news is – each month it’s increasing. This is a good starting point. Everyone is excited about high-quality beef going into China. It will take time, but I’d rather have slow, steady growth than no growth.”

In September, USMEF took it upon themselves to formally introduce China’s meat industry leaders to U.S. product. In a roadshow of sorts, visiting China’s three largest urban markets (Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) USMEF showcased all that American beef producers have to offer.

“We had over 300 people from the trade at each of those events,” Halstrom said. “This is just one way of making it formal that we now have U.S. beef in the marketplace, and the reception has been fantastic. We couldn’t be happier with it. It’s going to take time, but we have to continue to penetrate and tell our story in emerging regions.”