African Growth and Opportunity Act Review Provides Opportunity to Push for Trade Access

Africa Trade Barriers Prompt USMEF Call for USTR Action on Meat Imports - Oklahoma Farm Report

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is formally requesting that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) investigate how several African nations are restricting imports of U.S. beef and pork. USMEF Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck explained that while trade agreements are designed to foster mutual growth, certain countries are utilizing unscientific barriers to block American

USMEF says African Growth and Opportunity Act could help create trade access | Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network

The Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), which was created to incentivize two-way trade between the U.S. and sub-Saharan African countries, allows the president to offer duty-free access to certain nations. However, some of the countries benefitting from AGOA have prohibitive restrictions on U.S. beef and pork imports. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck said the USMEF sent a letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative outlining several of the organization’s concerns. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/06/Remcheck-Cut-1.mp3 While the AGOA has typically been used to advance changes in human rights, worker rights, or political reforms, Remcheck said it can also be used to leverage market access for U.S. agricultural products. https://d30hko96l9xirl.cloudfront.net/Iowamediafolder/2026/06/Remcheck-Cut-2.mp3 For more information, visit usmef.org.

U.S. meat industry calls for AGOA trade leverage in Africa

More than 10 years ago South Africa agreed to lift a ban on U.S. pork, however has continued to impose unscientific trade barriers due to PRRS.

African Growth and Opportunity Act Review Provides Opportunity to Push for Trade Access

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is asking the U.S. Trade Representative to look at how some African nations are restricting imports of U.S. beef and pork. USMEF Director of Export Services Jim Remcheck explains. https://kiow.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Remcheck-Cut-1.mp3   In comments to USTR, USMEF listed some specific trade challenges. https://kiow.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Remcheck-Cut-2.mp3   For more, visit USMEF.o…