USMEF promotes US pork in Malaysia through culinary competition

Under the WMACC’s unique format, participants drew lots to determine which protein they would prepare.

Out of 25 contestants, three worked with US pork, with two winning ‘Distinction Gold’ medals and one earning a gold medal.

During the competition, a USMEF booth also showcased US pork for the competing chefs, international chefs attending from other WMACC competitions and foodservice operators from the region.

Funding support was provided by the National Pork Board and USDA’s Market Access Program.

Agreement on reciprocal trade with Malaysia

The United States Trade Representative announced recently that an agreement on reciprocal trade has been reached with Malaysia.

Malaysia already had mostly zero tariffs, and these will be maintained. Malaysia has agreed to reduce the 15% tariff on pork sausages to 10% on entry, and to immediately eliminate the 10% tariff on other sausages. The 10% tariff on other processed pork products also goes immediately to zero.

Although Malaysia had begun approving US pork plants without the need for an onsite audit, it is now expected to eliminate plant-by-plant approvals and onerous questionnaires and registration processes.