The recent trade deal with the European Union eliminates a 20 percent tariff on imports of U.S. bison. National Bison Association Executive Director Jim Matheson says it’s access that his organization has long been fighting for.
“The EU has been a big goal of ours for a number of years. I would say we’ve been lobbying for 12 to 15
years to lower the tariffs and the duties on our products going over there,” Matheson says.
He adds the industry would like to see similar tariff relief for exports to the United Kingdom.
American bison also recently gained access to Australia as that country agreed to lift its ban on U.S. beef and bison. Matheson says he’s hopeful that Asia will be the next area for market access.
“We’ve had inspectors come over to the states from Japan and do audits at some of our bison processing facilities,” he explains. “Everything is going on schedule, and I hope… with the Australian and the EU news, that’ll set precedent for us to gain access to Japan, and not only Japan, we’re also pushing for access to Korea and Taiwan as well.”
The access has come through close coordination with the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA.
