The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership.
Cheyenne McEndaffer, USMEF senior director of export services, explains that USMEF highlighted several non-tariff barriers and potential trade obstacles, including concerns about Kenya’s burdensome import license system, restrictions on transshipment of products and a lack of clarity on import veterinary drug residue and microbiological standards. While the Biden administration is not currently seeking to address tariffs under this initiative, McEndaffer notes that Kenya’s 35% duty rate on imported beef and pork is trade-prohibitive. Even if other barriers are eliminated, a partnership agreement that does not address high tariff rates is not likely to increase opportunities for U.S. red meat in a meaningful way.
Courtesy photo.
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