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The US has squashed a potential free trade agreement with Taiwan over disputes concerning US beef.

Just after Taiwan has signed a landmark free trade agreement with China, David Shear, the State Department pointman on China-Taiwan ties, said the “The United States has no plans to begin talks with Taiwan about an FTA at this time.”

The US and Taiwan were previously negotiating a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement in 2007.

According to the AFP, Taiwan and other Asian countries have been hesitant to implement trade agreements with the US due to various agricultural trade disputes, including beef, pork, and poultry.

The countries imposed restrictions in late 2003 after mad cow disease was detected in an American herd. Some scientists believe humans can contract the brain-wasting illness by eating infected animals’ brains and spinal cords.

Taiwan agreed with the United States in October to let in more beef products but the island’s parliament reimposed restrictions three months later after a public outcry.

Read the complete article at Google News: AFP: US rules out Taiwan free trade deal

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