U.S.,Taiwan sign red meat trade agreement amid shifts in global pork market
U.S.-Taiwan deal opens markets for American red meat; Rabobank predicts global pork production adjustments in 2026.
WORLD – The United States and Taiwan have finalized a Reciprocal Trade Agreement aimed at reducing barriers to U.S. red meat exports, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Ambassador Jamieson Greer said the pact removes tariffs and non-tariff obstacles for American exports to Taiwan, creating new opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishers, small businesses, and manufacturers.
Greer added that the agreement strengthens the broader economic relationship between the two countries and supports supply chain stability, especially in high-tech sectors.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins commented that the deal opens tangible markets for American meat producers and could benefit rural economies.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association highlighted Taiwan as the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at roughly US$650 million, and noted that the U.S. remains the largest beef supplier to the island.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation said broader access to all U.S. beef cuts, including those popular for yakiniku barbecue and contemporary hamburger products, could generate additional growth, while tariff removal is expected to improve competitiveness.
Global Pork Production Faces Adjustments
Meanwhile, global pork production is expected to experience adjustments in 2026, according to the Rabobank Quarterly Global Pork Market Report – Q1 2026.
Rabobank forecasts a mixed year for pork output, with supply remaining strong in the first half in major producing countries, followed by a decline in the second half as production levels adjust.
In China, the breeding sow population is projected to fall to about 39 million head, reflecting a strategy to balance supply and demand after a period of overproduction.
In the United States and the European Union, the expansion of the sow herd will be limited by disease pressures, rising production costs, and trade uncertainty, with gains in efficiency driven primarily by technology and automation.
International pork trade is expected to continue shifting in 2026, as China’s share of global imports decreases while Mexico has emerged as the largest importer.
Antidumping duties by China on European pork and new Mexican quotas for countries without free trade agreements could redirect trade flows to alternative markets.
African swine fever continues to affect production in Asia and Europe, creating restrictions and slowing recovery in some regions.
Global pork consumption is projected to remain stable, supported by its price advantage over beef, although growth will vary by region depending on economic conditions and consumer confidence.
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