With a remarkably low number of COVID-19 cases in 2020, Taiwan remained a leading destination for U.S. beef exports, taking a record volume of nearly 64,000 metric tons (mt) valued at more than $550 million. After a slow start in 2021, exports picked up significantly in May – up more than 40% from a year ago in volume (5,648 mt) and 60% higher in value ($52.2 million).
Joel Haggard, U.S. Meat Export Federation senior vice president for the Asia Pacific, explains that beginning in mid-May, an increase in COVID cases caused health officials in Taiwan to suspend dine-in restaurant service, allowing only takeout and delivery. But this prompted a surge in retail demand for U.S. beef, as Taiwanese consumers sought high-quality options for meals prepared at home.
Despite ongoing COVID-related challenges, Haggard expects Taiwan’s demand for U.S. beef to remain strong in the second half of the year, especially with dining restrictions expected to be eased later this month.
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