WASHINGTON – The government of Tunisia and the United States have finalized an agreement to allow imports of US beef, poultry and egg products into Tunisia, according to an April 17 announcement by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

“President Trump continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for US agricultural products, and we welcome Tunisia’s agreement to begin imports of US beef, poultry, and egg products,” Lighthizer said. “New access to the Tunisian market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports of US agricultural products.”

In 2018, US exports of agricultural products to Tunisia – most of which were corn, soybeans or corn and soy products – exceeded $264 million. Initial USDA estimates are that Tunisia would import $5 million to $10 million of beef, poultry and egg products from the US annually.

“I'm convinced that when the Tunisians get a taste of US beef, poultry, and eggs, they're going to want more. These products coming into Tunisia are safe, wholesome, and very delicious,” Secretary Perdue said. “At the direction of President Trump, USDA remains committed to opening up new markets across the globe. While we continue to supply Tunisia’s domestic animal proteins sector with quality US grains and oilseeds, I have no doubt that US beef, poultry, and eggs will only help increase competitiveness and consumer choice within Tunisia.”

The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) applauded the Administration’s work to open the Tunisian market to US meat and poultry.

“International trade is essential to the long-term viability of the US meat and poultry industry, and this new access will help level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers and meat and poultry packers, processors and producers at a time when many countries are actively pursuing negotiations to cultivate robust global export markets,” said NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “The Meat Institute once again commends the Administration for prioritizing the opening of new markets for US meat and poultry products. We also look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to further reduce trade barriers and improve access for US meat and poultry exports in all foreign markets.”