WTO Rules in Favor of US in Beef Dispute with Indonesia

US - This week the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States in a dispute with Indonesia over its complex and opaque import requirements for beef and beef products.
calendar icon 15 November 2017
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The WTO report found that all 18 of Indonesia’s import measures challenged by the United States were inconsistent with WTO rules and obligations.

The ruling marked the end of the WTO dispute settlement process and is expected to open up significant new export opportunities for the US beef industry in the Indonesian market.

More details on the ruling are available from the WTO website and in this news release from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this case and wish to thank USTR for its effective presentation of the legal arguments against Indonesia’s import controls," said USMEF CEO Philip Seng.

"The WTO ruling is confirmation of USTR’s decision to bring the case and supports the need for a strong and transparent dispute settlement system in the WTO."

USMEF sees Indonesia as a very promising market for the future. It is the fourth most populous country in the world, but with per capita beef consumption of only 3.4 kilograms, Indonesia has almost unlimited potential to become one of the world’s largest beef importing countries.

"The WTO report sets the stage for expansion of Indonesia’s beef market," Mr  Seng added.

"We are excited about the opportunity to play a big part in its development by introducing US beef to a much wider group of Indonesian customers."


Earlier this year, USMEF promoted US beef and pork at Food and Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta [Photo: USMEF]

Last year US beef and beef variety meat exports to Indonesia were 10,783 metric tons (mt) valued at $39.4 million, making it the ninth-largest export market for US beef by volume and 15th-largest by value.

Through September of this year, exports to Indonesia already nearly matched last year’s totals, reaching 9,934 mt valued at $36.6 million. Indonesia is currently the third-largest export market for US beef hearts, following Mexico and Hong Kong.

TheCattleSite News Desk

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