TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be sending a delegation representing 49 major agribusinesses in the United States for a trade visit to Taiwan scheduled for next week from April 22 to April 25.



The delegation will be led by Ken Isley, the chief administrator of the U.S. foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and will be joined by officials from the States of Idaho, Georgia, and Nebraska Departments of Agriculture, as well as the American Samoa Director of Agriculture, Filifaatali M. Fuiva.

In mid-February when the USDA delegation was originally announced, it was reported that FAS officials would be conducting talks related to US pork and beef imports with Taiwan’ Ministry of Agriculture.



Touting the important relationship and favorable business relations between Taiwan and the U.S., Isley was quoted by Feedstuffs.

“Taiwan is an import-dependent economy and has a real affinity for U.S. ag products because of their quality, affordability and safety. What that adds up to is excellent opportunities for American exporters.”

Various business-to-business meetings and industry visits are planned by the U.S. business representatives during the trip.



U.S. agricultural products sold to Taiwan represented the ninth largest export destination for the U.S. agriculture industry in 2018. The upcoming trade delegation and favorable economic relationship will likely contribute to increased agricultural exports in the years ahead.



There is hope in Taiwan and the U.S. that strengthened trade relations in the agricultural sector may lead to renewed negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

However, Taiwan’s current restrictions of U.S. pork and beef have left FTA negotiations stalled for years despite many voices urging both sides to begin a new round of talks in earnest.



A full list of the 49 businesses and trade organizations making joining the USDA visit can be found at Feedstuffs.