NCBA and the U.S. Meat Export Federation praised the Trump administration for reaching an agreement granting the U.S. a country-specific share of the European Union’s duty-free high-quality beef quota. Once implemented, the annual U.S. quota will increase from 18,500 metric tons of non-hormone treated beef in year one to 35,000 metric tons in year seven. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative estimates the result will increase annual U.S. beef sales to Europe from $150 million in the first year to $420 million in the seventh year.
According to NCBA President Jennifer Houston, it has been difficult to sell high-quality U.S. beef to European consumers due to restrictive tariff and non-tariff trade barriers in place. She said it is satisfying to know Europeans will be able to enjoy larger quantities of safe U.S. beef.
“. . . this would not have happened if it were not for the effort of President
Trump and his trade team,” said Houston.