"We welcome this news from the Malaysian government," said Ambassador Portman. "This is a good first step toward resuming normal U.S. beef trade with Malaysia. This step also underscores the ability of our governments to work together to resolve important issues.

"We now urge the Malaysian government to fully restore U.S. beef exports by further expansion of product coverage and exporter eligibility so that additional types of quality U.S. beef can be enjoyed by Malaysian consumers," Portman added.

Background

The initial agreement will allow U.S. plants currently approved by Malaysia to resume exports of boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age. The United States and Malaysia are currently finalizing the import documentation statements and details so that trade can begin.

Malaysia has prohibited imports of U.S. beef and beef products since December 2003, following the detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow of Canadian origin in Washington State. In 2003, before the ban took effect, the United States exported $1.9 million worth of beef and beef products to Malaysia, the majority of which, $1.2 million, was boneless beef.

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