U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that the government of Tunisia has moved to allow U.S. chicken exports.
Both countries have finalized export certificates to allow the trade, which includes U.S. beef, eggs and other poultry products. USDA reports that initial estimates are that Tunisia would import annually $5 million to $10 million between beef, poultry and eggs with the potential to grow.
The U.S. has never before been eligible to export broiler meat to Tunisia, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) data, which it began recording in 1967.
“President Trump 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,” Ambassador Lighthizer said. “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.”
“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,” Secretary Perdue said. “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.”
