After several months of collaborative efforts between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Colombian Institute of Agriculture, the Colombian market has officially reopened for U.S. poultry and egg product exports. This development marks a significant milestone in trade relations between the two countries.
USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor, expressed satisfaction with Colombia’s adherence to the commitments outlined in the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Holding trading partners accountable, she emphasized, is crucial to ensuring the benefits of trade reach farmers and ranchers across the United States.
Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the market reopening. She emphasized the safety of U.S. poultry and egg products, assuring that they do not pose any animal health risk and can be safely imported into Colombia.
The closure of the Colombian market in August 2023, due to concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza, had significant repercussions. Before its closure, Colombia stood as the 10th largest market for U.S. poultry. The reopening of this market is thus welcomed by U.S. poultry producers and USDA alike.
Greg Tyler, President and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), expressed gratitude for the market’s reopening, highlighting the importance of the Colombian market for U.S. poultry exports. He noted the disruption caused by the market closure, which adversely affected U.S. exports. However, with access restored, both countries can resume mutually beneficial trade under their free trade agreement.
