After a recent review of the U.S. supply system, China has lifted its ban on U.S. beef.

“This announcement is a critical first step to restore market access for U.S. beef and beef products,” says USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We look forward to prompt engagement by the relevant authorities for further technical discussions on the specific conditions that will allow trade to resume. True access to China's beef market—consistent with science-based, international standards for trade—remains a top priority for the United States.

Vilsack says the Obama Administration and USDA will continue to press trading partners to eliminate unfair barriers to trade that hamper American farmers and ranchers.

“Reopening the Chinese market has been a top priority for Meat Institute members for more than a decade,” says Barry Carpenter, president and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “It is a market with a high demand for beef and our members are prepared to offer the highest quality beef in the world.”

Following the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003, U.S. beef and beef product exports fell. Since 2003, USDA has led a multi-agency, full-court press, dedicating significant resources to restore foreign market access for U.S. beef. As a result, U.S. beef shipments had regained pre-BSE volumes by 2011 and even reached record values by 2014. Since January 2015, USDA has gained additional market access for U.S. beef in 16 countries, including: Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guatemala, Iraq, Lebanon, Macau, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Saint Lucia, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, Vietnam and Brazil.