WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) met with Taiwanese Ambassador Jason Yuan and stressed the need to fully re-open their markets to all U.S. beef and beef products.

"I had a good discussion with Ambassador Yuan," Senator Roberts said. "I reiterated the need to base future trade decisions on sound science which has proven all U.S. beef products to be safe. I pressed the Ambassador to move forward in fully opening their markets to safe and delicious U.S. beef. The continued delay is a barrier to international trade."

At issue is continued delay of allowing U.S. bone-in-beef, offals, and processed products into Taiwanese markets. In January of 2006, Taiwan resumed trade, but only boneless beef products from animals under 30 months of age.

In 2007, Taiwan was the 6^th largest export market for U.S. beef.

Senator Roberts continues to work towards fully re-opening foreign markets to U.S. beef trade, especially in China, Taiwan and Japan. Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. From his position on both Committees, Roberts offers unique leadership for Kansas, where the beef industry is one of the largest industries in the state– representing over $6.25 billion in annual revenue. The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over all trade matters.

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