U.S. Beef Returns to Colombia: Restrictions Lifted, Market Reopens Amid Competition”
After several months of restricted access, Colombia has fully reopened its market to U.S. beef, lifting state-specific bans initially imposed following H5N1 findings in dairy cows.
This move, effective since late September, ended prohibitions that had impacted exports from 14 U.S. states, significantly reducing the country’s beef imports from the United States.
Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), commented, “The science was always on our side, so it’s a relief to have Colombia fully reopened to U.S. beef.”
The ban’s removal is seen as crucial, particularly given the competitive nature of the Latin American beef market. U.S. beef exports to Colombia reached a record $48 million in 2022, and the market was on an upward trajectory before the restrictions.
Halstrom recognized the importance of government intervention, noting, “On behalf of USMEF and the U.S. beef industry, I want to thank USDA – and especially the USDA staff at the Foreign Agricultural Service post in Bogota – for prioritizing this issue and for their steadfast work in getting the market reopened.”
During the embargo, Canada filled part of the supply gap, increasing its beef exports to Colombia from $230,000 to nearly $6 million within the first eight months of 2024.
USMEF Colombia Representative Maria Ruiz remarked, “Canada definitely saw this as an opportunity and pursued it very aggressively.”
Now, however, U.S. representatives are working to regain their footing in the Colombian market, participating in local culinary events to renew ties with importers and retailers.
While Colombia’s reopening provides relief, challenges remain, with competitors like Chile and Uruguay maintaining a strong presence.
As USMEF Latin American Representative Homero Recio observed, “They had the same number of trucks, the same number of cold storage facilities and the same number of employees, but suddenly did not have enough beef to spread those costs against.”
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