An announcement from the Chinese Government has indicated that the nation will begin accepting U.S. beef from animals under 30 months of age for the first time in 13 years.

“This is great news for U.S. beef producers,” said Kent Bacus, director of international trade for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “While these initial reports are positive, we must continue technical negotiations and undergo the process of formally approving export certificates. China is already the world’s second largest buyer of beef, and with a growing middle class, the export opportunities for U.S. cattlemen and women are tremendous.”

Officials from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will now begin working with China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to approve the certificates and protocols for exports.

“Our cattle producers are the best in the world at producing high quality beef,” said Bacus. “To continue to grow demand for our product, our industry relies on fair trade based on sound science. This latest announcement by China is welcome news and further highlights the benefits of trade in the Pacific, opportunities that will only be expanded by passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership.”

Philip Seng, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), also commented on the decision.

“While this is an important first step in the process of resuming beef exports to China, USMEF understands that China must still negotiate with USDA the conditions that will apply to U.S. beef exports entering this market,” he said. “USMEF looks forward to learning more details about the remaining steps necessary for the market to officially open and for U.S. suppliers to begin shipping product.”