After months of suspension, the United States has received clearance to resume poultry and egg exports to Colombia, marking a significant milestone for the American poultry industry.
Greg Tyler, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), emphasized the importance of the Colombian market, valued at $110 million, and its significance in trade relations under the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.
The Colombian market had been inaccessible to US exporters since August due to concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), leading to a complete halt in poultry imports by November. However, recent developments indicate a positive shift, with Colombia being declared free of HPAI by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
A press release from Colombia’s Institute for Agriculture and Livestock (ICA) highlighted the collaborative efforts between both countries’ animal health authorities to revise import requirements while safeguarding Colombia’s HPAI-free status. This agreement opens the door for the importation of various poultry products, including day-old birds, fertile eggs, egg products, and fresh or frozen poultry meat.
Tyler expressed optimism regarding the resumption of poultry exports to Colombia in 2024, following the commencement of the permitting process. The disruption caused by the temporary trade suspension had a noticeable impact on US poultry exports in 2023, underscoring the significance of the Colombian market.
“We’re grateful Colombia is back open to us,” Tyler stated, emphasizing the importance of the renewed access and expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts between US and Colombian counterparts. The reopening of the Colombian market signifies a positive development for the US poultry industry and underscores the resilience of international trade relations.
