WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2006-U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that Singapore will resume the import of U.S. boneless beef products from animals under 30 months of age under an agreement reached today.

"The opening of Singapore's market demonstrates a growing global confidence in the effectiveness of U.S. safeguards and the safety of U.S. beef," said Johanns. "This decision adds momentum to our goal of resuming normal beef trade throughout the world that follows science-based international guidelines in food and animal safety. We will continue to pursue this objective with all our trading partners."

Singapore's decision to lift its ban follows recent developments in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea to resume trade in various beef or beef products.

In 2003, the United States exported $5.9 million of beef and beef products to Singapore, with boneless beef exports accounting for nearly $4 million. After the discovery of a BSE-infected cow in the United States, $4.8 billion worth of U.S. beef and beef product exports were banned. Markets accounting for $3.8 billion have since been recovered.

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Release No. 0018.06
FAS PR 0008-06

USDA Contact: Ed Loyd (202) 720-4623