Columbia has lifted restrictions on imports of U.S. beef related to highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle. Columbia had placed a ban on beef from 13 affected states beginning April 2024.
“So, what has happened is that we were averaging about $3 million a month in exports, and once we got through April and into these restrictions, we’re down to less than a million dollars a month, so obviously a very adverse impact there,” explains U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
The reopening comes following months of work by U.S. officials.
“Needless to say, we’re extremely happy and appreciative to USDA and USTR for their efforts to regain
access for U.S. beef into Colombia,” Halstrom says. “You know, the reality is that science was on our side, and ultimately that prevailed. And it wasn’t easy, but kudos to our government for staying with it and getting us back in with full access to Colombia on beef.”
Sourcing U.S. beef from eligible states became difficult when Colombia’s restrictions were in place. Now there is work to be done to regain market share.
“The U.S. isn’t the only one that’s figured out the value of these exports around the world,” Halstrom says, noting that countries saw an opportunity when Columbia put restrictions on U.S. beef. “Other markets, competitors such as Canada, took advantage of that, and so it’s really exciting that we’re back
to full access, and we can now concentrate on regaining that lost market share.”
