ABSTRACT
The counter-cyclical Meat Import Law was signed December 31, 1979. The formula for determining the import quota includes several factors: previous imports, domestic production, cow slaughter, and live-cattle imports. The Meat Import Law covers all forms of fresh, chilled, and frozen beef, mutton, and goat. In 1982, the Secretary's initial estimate of imports was below the trigger; however, the fourth estimate indicated that imports would exceed the trigger level unless certain supplying countries agreed to limit their beef exports to the US This situation was caused in part by severe drought conditions in Australia; resulting in herd liquidation. Beef and veal exports continue to increase. In 1982, the US exported 188.9 million lb of beef and veal. The US Meat Export Federation (MEF) efforts continue to be successful in overseas market development and beef promotion. The European Economic Community (EEC), in a 1979 trade agreement, agreed to import 10,000 metric tons of high-quality beef.
