Malaysia resumes trade in U.S. beef
Malaysia will resume imports of U.S. beef products after closing its borders to this commodity more than two years ago.
Malaysia, like many countries, banned U.S. beef imports after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease,” in a Washington state cow in late December 2003.
Under the agreement reached March 7, the United States will be able to export boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age. U.S. and Malaysian authorities are working to finalize the remaining documentation details so that shipments can begin in the near future, the USDA said.
In 2003, the United States exported more than $1.9 million worth of beef products to Malaysia.
