No ractopamine has been detected in the first batch of American pork imports since the country lifted a ban on U.S. pork containing the feed additive ractopamine, reports Taiwan News.
Between Jan. 1 and 8, Taiwan imported 96 tons of pork and offal from the U.S., according to the article. The data also suggests that the imports account for a small proportion of fresh pork available in Taiwan, with pork and organ meats making up 3% and 2%, respectively.
Pro Farmer analyst Jim Wiesemeyer reports that pork prices have been climbing in Taiwan as shoppers reject U.S. pork imports.
Taiwanese consumers are turning away from imported pork, driving up prices and frustrating meat producers’ hopes that the liberalization of the country’s pork market would offer new opportunities for U.S. suppliers, the Financial Times reports.
“Taipei hoped the decision would build support in Washington for a bilateral trade deal,” Wiesemeyer wrote. “Pork is the main source of protein for Taiwan’s population.”
Pork imports from the U.S. cratered since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen announced the liberalization, and demand for other imported pork is now also being hit, Wiesemeyer wrote. Tsai pleaded with the public that, because Taiwan was a country reliant on trade for survival, she had no choice but to allow imports of ractopamine pork.
“Observers believe the Taiwanese opposition’s campaign against the market reform and the government’s pledges to protect food safety have triggered consumer fears that any pork other than local produce is harmful,” the Financial Times reports.
More than 150 Taiwanese pork importers signed a pledge last month not to import U.S. pork, Wiesemeyer wrote. Some retailers have decided to cut back on all imported pork.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
Taiwan Lifts Ban on Ractopamine in U.S. Pork Imports
Ractopamine’s Back on the Shelf, Now What?
Hormel Removes Ractopamine from its Hog Supply
JBS to Remove Ractopamine from Pork Supply Chain in U.S.
