USMEF Holds ASEAN Showcase To Promote U.S. Red Meat

Late last month, the U.S. Meat Export Federation held its first-ever regional product showcase in Southeast Asia, a promising market for U.S. red meat.  USMEF Trade Analyst Jessica Spreitzer said exporting to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, better known as ASEAN is vital.

“This was a way to bring buyers from all over the region to meet with some of our members and be able to showcase their products, and have one-on-one meetings with buyers.”

USMEF was able to get face-to-face time with buyers from countries from all over the region including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.  Last year U.S. beef exports to countries in the ASEAN reached $275 million, but the region, Spreitzer says still has untapped potential.  She notes while there are a host of opportunities in the region, multiple import requirements can make it challenging to get U.S. red meat in.

In addition to talking about high quality American products, Spreitzer said they also took a look at the global trade picture.

“Looking at how China is driving global trade on both the pork side, especially now with ASF, but also on the beef side as well.  Talking about how that affects their markets, and then looking forward at some of the growth we’ve seen in the ASEAN region and where we expect to see continued growth there as per capita consumption increases,” Spreitzer continued.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com