TUNISIA – Tunisia has opened its market for beef, poultry, and egg products from the United States following an agreement between the two governments to allow importation of the products into the country.

Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture said the agreement strengthens the United States Departments of Agriculture (USDA) commitment to expanding its reach as well as providing consumers with more choices of products in the market.

“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 U.S. grains and oilseeds, I have no doubt that U.S. beef, poultry, and eggs will only help increase competitiveness and consumer choice within Tunisia,” Sonny said.

The announcement, made by Robert Lighthizer, U.S. Trade Representative and Sonny Perdue, follows meetings between U.S. and Tunisian officials on the safety and wholesomeness of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products.

Ambassador Lighthizer said that the U.S government “continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products, and we welcome Tunisia’s agreement to begin imports of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products.”

“New access to the Tunisian market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports of U.S. agricultural products,” Amb. Lighthizer added.

Sonny Perdue assured that safety and wholesomeness will be paramount for consignments made into the country, as outlined by USDA regulations.

As part of the agreement, products exported to Tunisia will have to bear all Tunisian labelling requirements and exporters are required to follow the specific requirements as reviewed from time to time in addition to meeting U.S. labelling requirements.

 “I’m convinced that when the Tunisians get a taste of U.S. beef, poultry, and eggs, they’re going to want more. These products coming into Tunisia are safe, wholesome, and very delicious,” said Secretary Perdue.

Initial estimates are that Tunisia would import annually US$5-10 million of beef, poultry, and egg products from the United States, with additional growth over time.

In 2018, U.S. exports of agricultural products to Tunisia exceeded US$264 million with corn, soybeans, or corn and soy products accounting for over 90% of the total exports.