WASHINGTON, April 10, 2015— USDA announced that it recently reached agreements with Mexico and Peru that will provide more customers for U.S. beef and pork producers.

“Mexico is an important market for U.S. cattle producers, with the potential to import $15 million of live U.S. cattle per year and we expect Peru's market could generate $5 million annually in additional pork sales,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a meeting with producers in Des Moines, Iowa, according to a USDA press release.

After negotiations that began in 2008, the United States and Mexico reached an agreement this week in Washington that takes effect immediately and will allow U.S. producers to export slaughter cattle to Mexico for the first time in over a decade.

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Danni Beer, president of the United States Cattlemen's Association, said the work of USDA staff to secure this market access will serve to better promote U.S. beef to more international consumers.
  
"Mexico is an important market for U.S. cattle producers and one that we want to keep growing," Beer said in a statement released by USCA. "While U.S. cattle producers are currently enjoying strong domestic markets, it is critical that similar market access agreements be pursued." 
  
USDA’s agreement with Peru, under negotiations since 2012, will expand access for U.S. fresh, chilled pork and pork products.

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Story updated Monday, April 13, 10:27 a.m. 

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