Nigeria is now open to a wide range of U.S. red meat products, creating a new potential market for American beef and pork exporters.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) informed its members this week that Nigeria has expanded access beyond the limited number of processed meat products previously allowed.
According to the USDA Export Library, U.S. red meat products can now be exported to Nigeria unless they are specifically excluded.
Nigeria still does not accept beef or pork offal or bone-in hams, and some smoked and processed products remain ineligible. However, boneless beef and pork cuts are now eligible for export.
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the USMEF, called the expanded access an important first step in developing the market.
“We really look at this as a good first step to build that supply chain,” Halstrom said during the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Denver.
Nigeria has a population of more than 240 million, making it the world’s sixth-most populous country. It also has the third-largest economy in Africa, behind South Africa and Egypt.
Halstrom said there is potential for a broad range of U.S. red meat products, including beef variety meats, primal cuts and pork.
“I think there’s opportunity at the high end and the low end,” he said. “We already know there’s demand for beef variety meats. We already know there’s demand for beef primal cuts. Pork is another item on the menu that we know there’s demand for.”
According to USDA data, beef is the predominant meat consumed in Nigeria, although per capita consumption remains well below the global average. Pork consumption is lower but includes demand for products such as sausages, ham and bacon.
Halstrom said developing the Nigerian market will take time as exporters work to build trade relationships and supply chains.
“We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg in terms of potential,” Halstrom said.
Coverage of the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting is sponsored by Nebraska Cattlemen.