U.S. Beef Overcomes Halal-Related Obstacles in Indonesia, UAE

U.S. beef exports to many Muslim majority countries must meet certain halal certification guidelines, but as U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck explains in this audio report, those requirements can vary broadly from country to country.

USMEF works closely with USDA, foreign halal authorities and U.S. halal certifiers – as well as U.S. processors – to make sure USMEF members fully grasp and comply with each country’s specific halal requirements. Access to these markets is especially important for the U.S. industry, as they often demand cuts such as livers and other variety meats, as well as short plate, that aren’t widely consumed domestically.

Two key destinations for halal-certified beef, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates, imposed restrictions on halal certifications in the U.S. for about six months in 2025.  As Remcheck explains, USMEF and USDA engaged with those foreign authorities, supported by in-plant research conducted by Colorado State University, to alleviate their concerns and restore access for U.S. beef.