The U.S. livestock breeding industry is reeling from millions in losses after China’s retaliatory tariffs abruptly halted imports of high-value breeding pigs and cattle semen—a niche but lucrative trade now in freefall due to the escalating U.S.-China trade war.
Why It Matters
🐖 Breeding Pigs:
- 2,500–2,500–5,000 per pig deals collapsed overnight.
- Indiana vet Dr. Mike Lemmon lost a 2.4Msale∗∗;pigssenttoslaughterfor∗∗2.4Msale∗∗;pigssenttoslaughterfor∗∗200 each.
🐄 Cattle Semen: - China bought 25% of U.S. dairy cattle semen—now $0 exports.
- Frozen vials sit unsold in Arkansas freezers, costing breeders $10M+ annually.
Trade War Fallout
💥 Lost Relationships: Years of trust-building with Chinese buyers evaporated.
🇩🇰 Competitor Advantage: Denmark’s breeders gain as China pivots to European genetics.
📉 Long-Term Damage: “Brand is ruined,” says exporter Tony Clayton. “Clients are fleeing.”
Key Quotes
“It’s devastating. These pigs were bred for marbled meat—now they’re bacon.”
— Dr. Mike Lemmon, Indiana breeder
“Not one unit of semen is going to China. They were our top market.”
— Jay Weiker, National Association of Animal Breeders
What’s Next?
- Tariff Truce Hope: Some breeders scramble to revive deals during the pause.
- Market Shift: China may permanently diversify to EU suppliers.
- Political Pressure: Farmers demand trade stability as 2024 election looms.