China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations

China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations

Renewals Ease Concerns for US Meat Exporters

Beijing has renewed registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, allowing them to continue exporting to China. This decision comes after lapses in registration threatened shipments to the world’s largest meat importer.

A Relief Amid Trade Disputes

The renewals provide reassurance to U.S. farmers and meat companies facing ongoing trade disputes with China and other major agricultural importers. China has renewed these registrations for five years, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council. However, U.S. beef facilities have not yet received renewals.

Uncertainty Over Shipments

Although shipments from facilities with lapsed registrations continued to clear customs, exporters were uncertain how long this would last. “We were on pins and needles for a while,” said Greg Tyler, CEO of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council.

China’s Registration Requirements

China mandates that food exporters register with its customs authority to sell products in the country. As of Sunday, registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat plants—granted under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal—had lapsed, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all registered facilities.

Phase 1 Trade Agreement and Its Impact

The 2020 Phase 1 trade agreement was intended to resolve the U.S.-China trade war, with China pledging to increase purchases of U.S. goods and services, including meat, by $200 billion over two years. However, China did not meet this target, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Response and Ongoing Concerns

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has not yet commented on the renewal process. Previously, the agency stated that China had not responded to repeated requests to renew plant registrations, potentially violating the Phase 1 agreement.

“We’re pleased to see progress on the pork facilities and hoping for similar news on beef as soon as possible,” said Joe Schuele, spokesperson for the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Trade Barriers and Market Impact

China recently imposed retaliatory tariffs on $21 billion worth of American farm goods, including a 10% duty on U.S. pork, beef, and dairy products. In 2024, the U.S. was China’s third-largest meat supplier by volume, behind Brazil and Argentina, accounting for 9% of total meat imports.

U.S. meat exports to China were valued at $2.5 billion last year, making the U.S. the second-largest exporter by value. However, outbreaks of bird flu have impacted poultry exports.

The Importance of the Chinese Market

Despite challenges, China remains a crucial market for U.S. poultry and meat products. “We needed that market to stay open, and these renewals were very important to that,” said Tyler.

Looking Ahead

The renewal of pork and poultry registrations is a positive step, but the lack of progress on beef facilities and ongoing tariffs highlight the complexities of U.S.-China agricultural trade. Industry leaders continue to push for further resolutions to ensure stable market access for U.S. meat products.

“China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations” “China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations” “China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations” “China Renews US Pork and Poultry Export Registrations”