Chile-Green Light for US Beef.

CHILE-GREEN LIGHT FOR US BEEF IMPORTS.

Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced Friday an agreement between the United States and Chile that will allow U.S. beef shipments to resume to Chile.

Beef shipments were halted in September 2008 pending clarification of a provision of the free trade agreement between the United States and Chile regarding beef grade labeling certification.

Chile is historically a small importer of U.S. beef. U.S. Meat Export Federation statistics show just 270 metric tons of beef worth $1.3 million were shipped in 2008, compared to 125 metric tons worth $593,000 shipped in 2007.

USTR and Chilean officials concluded the agreement Friday with an exchange of letters clarifying the applicable FTA provision, allowing U.S. beef shipments to resume immediately.