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 Kerns
was joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge, Mark
Fischer with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Will
Frazee and Helen Ohde of the Iowa Beef Industry Council and Marty
Schwager, also representing the IPPA.
While on the trade mission, the group met
with various key officials, pork buyers and meat importers.
The Taiwan visit began with a briefing with
staff from both the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the
United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) office in Taipei.
According to USMEF officials, U.S. pork imports
into Taiwan during the first six months of 2004 have increased
132% in quantity and 167% in value compared to the first six
months of 2003. This follows a 32% increase in quantity and a
30% increase in value for the year of 2003 compared to 2002.
 The
USMEF also reported that U.S. pork exports to Hong Kong and China
are on target to be up substantially in 2004 compared to the
year prior. According to USMEF, pork and pork variety meats exported
to those countries were over 40,000 metric tons for the first
seven months of 2004, compared to less than 60,000 metric tons
for the entire year of 2003.
 While
in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the delegation met with government officials,
industry representatives, pork buyers, processors and packers.
The group observed how U.S. pork is handled, processed, distributed
and prepared by touring a packing facility, multiple retail outlets,
foodservice establishments and a distribution center in Taipei.
Demand continues to increase for pork in both
Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, price is currently becoming a
potential factor in the continued support for U.S. pork products
as recent prices have increased.
Additionally, the delegation spent some time
with government officials in the country of Macau. Macau has
a significant tourism industry with an increasing number of casinos
planned, which is anticipated to result in added demand for U.S.
meat products.
 The
IPPA Foreign Market Development Committee funds this and other
trade missions in countries where export opportunities for U.S.
pork products from Iowa exist or have increased potential.
The trade mission was held in early October
and was organized by Mark Fischer, Meat and Livestock Export
Manager of the Iowa Department of Economic Development.
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