A newly signed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between the United States and Taiwan is being welcomed by U.S. farm and livestock groups as a significant boost for agricultural exports. Announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the deal eliminates tariffs and reduces non-tariff barriers while reinforcing science-based sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
Wheat Sector Applauds Strong SPS Commitments
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) said the agreement could provide duty-free access for U.S. wheat and strengthen regulatory transparency. The deal includes commitments on agricultural biotechnology, low-level presence policies and adoption of Codex pesticide maximum residue limits when Taiwan has not set its own standards.
The announcement follows a September 2025 Letter of Intent between USW and the Taiwan Flour Millers Association for the purchase of 3.6 million metric tons (132.3 million bushels) of U.S. wheat from 2026–2029, valued at $1.296 billion.
Beef and Pork Gain Duty-Free Access
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the agreement delivers duty-free access for U.S. beef, improving competitiveness in Taiwan — currently the sixth-largest export market for U.S. beef at $709 million in 2024. Exports added more than $415 per fed animal processed last year, underscoring the importance of trade to producer profitability.
According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the deal also enhances prospects for U.S. pork, clarifies access for bison and eliminates tariffs on U.S. lamb. The agreement aligns Taiwan’s standards with international benchmarks such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Industry leaders say the agreement strengthens bilateral trade ties and provides long-term certainty for U.S. farmers and ranchers in a key Asian market.
####
USMEF, NCBA, USW – 2026
