China has renewed export registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, easing fears of disrupted shipments to the world’s largest meat importer, industry groups announced Monday. However, approvals for U.S. beef plants remain pending, leaving that sector in limbo.
The renewals, valid for five years, apply to facilities whose certifications lapsed in February under the 2020 U.S.-China Phase 1 trade deal. While shipments from lapsed sites had continued clearing customs, exporters were uncertain how long this would last. “We were on pins and needles,” said Greg Tyler of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council.
Trade Context:
The Phase 1 deal aimed to boost Chinese purchases of U.S. goods by $200 billion over two years but fell short, partly due to the pandemic.
China recently imposed 10% tariffs on U.S. pork, beef, and dairy as retaliation for Trump-era trade policies, complicating negotiations.
The U.S. supplied 9% of China’s meat imports in 2024 ($2.5 billion), ranking as its third-largest volume supplier after Brazil and Argentina.
Industry Impact:
Poultry: Despite bird flu setbacks, China remains critical for U.S. producers. Renewals ensure continued access to a top market.
Beef: Delays in registration renewals risk further strain, with the U.S. Meat Export Federation urging swift resolution.