By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
For the first time in 25 years, American pork producers will have the opportunity to market their meat to Argentina.
The White House announced an agreement between the U.S. and the South American country Aug. 17, following a recent meeting between Vice President Mike Pence and Argentinian President Mauricio Macri.
“[This] announcement is a big win for American pork producers and proves that President Trump is getting real results for America’s farmers and ranchers,” Pence said. “After 25 years of discussions, America’s pork producers will soon be able to export their fine product to Argentina. This is one more example of the commitment President Trump and his entire administration to breaking down international trade barriers and making free and fair trade a win-win for American workers, farmers and our trading partners.”
Argentina represents a potential $10 million market annually for American pork. The agreement between the two countries allows the U.S. to sell fresh, chilled and frozen pork and pork products.
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauded the reopening of the market as Argentina was among several countries with non-science based barriers to U.S. pork imports.
“Trade-dependent U.S. pork producers now have unfettered access to this large pork-consuming nation,” NPPC President Ken Maschoff said. “U.S. pork producers are the most competitive in the world, and we have long sought the opportunity to provide affordable, high-quality pork in Argentina.”
The U.S. pork industry has been the world’s largest exporter of pork over the last 10 years. According to NPPC, exports added $50 to every U.S. hog marketed in 2016. That represents 36 percent of the $140 average value of a hog.
Last year, American pork producers exported nearly $6 billion in goods.
According to the White House, Argentine food safety officials will first visit the U.S. to conduct on-site verification of the U.S. meat inspection system. After that, American pork exports will resume pending resolution of any outstanding technical issues.