Taiwan's actions are not consistent with a bilateral protocol signed last Oct. 22, under which Taiwan agreed to lift its ban on U.S. bone-in beef and certain other beef products, the USTR told the CNA in response to an e-mail request for comment on the issue.

“We are pleased that Taiwan authorities have clarified that beef tongues and a number of other beef products are not considered internal organs, and are eligible for export to Taiwan,” the USTR told CNA.

But “we remain deeply disappointed that Taiwan has taken action that are not consistent with our bilateral protocol, “ which the USTR said “was negotiated in good faith with Taiwan and is consistent with science and the guidelines laid out by the World Organization for Animal Health and Taiwan's own risk assessment that found that all U.S. beef and beef products are safe.”

USTR stated that Taiwan's actions will be reviewed carefully, and that it will utilize all appropriate tools to resolve the issue.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shen Lyu-shun had said on Monday that the U.S. “acted unilaterally” in opening beef tongue for export, but the USTR said that was not the case.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture “has merely updated the export library on its website based on information received from Taiwan authorities as to which beef products are permitted for export,” the U.S. trade office said.