On December 13, 2019, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) published in the Federal Register a notice regarding the December 2016, initiation of a proceeding pursuant to Section 306(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act) (19 U.S.C. 2416(c)) to reinstate action against the European Union (EU) in order to exercise the WTO authorization to suspend concessions in connection with the dispute EC-Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products (81 Fed. Reg. 95724). In light of successful negotiations with the EU to resolve US concerns with the operation of the On August 2, 2019, the EU and United States signed the Agreement on the Allocation to the United States of a Share in the Tariff Rate Quota for High Quality Beef Referred to in the Revised MOU Regarding the Importation of Beef from Animals Not Treated with Certain Grown-promoting Hormones and Increased Duties Applied by the United States to Certain Products of the European Union, USTR has determined to conclude the proceeding with a determination not to reinstate action. The proceeding is terminated effective January 1, 2020.
The United States continues to have an authorization to suspend concessions in connection with the dispute EC-Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products. USTR will continue to monitor EU implementation of the MOU and other developments affecting market access for US beef products. If implementation of the MOU and other developments do not proceed as contemplated, the Trade Representative may consider additional actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
