U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet Amid Trade Issues
U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet in April Amidst Trade Tensions
UNITED STATES – June 7, 2025 – U.S. beef and pork exports to China saw a drastic decline in April 2025, significantly impacting overall U.S. meat export figures for the month. This sharp reduction, according to data released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and reported by AgWeb.com, is largely attributed to ongoing trade disputes and high tariffs.
Beef exports to China saw a substantial 70% drop, while pork exports to the country fell by 35%. This significant downturn comes as U.S. beef exporters await China’s renewal of establishment registrations for numerous U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, the majority of which expired in mid-March. This administrative hurdle, combined with existing trade tensions and tariffs, has created considerable challenges for American meat producers targeting the Chinese market.
Despite the pronounced difficulties faced in the Chinese market, the USMEF report highlighted a more positive outlook for overall U.S. meat exports. Demand from other international markets remains robust, with record-breaking demand elsewhere, partially offsetting the steep decline in trade with China. This indicates a diversification of U.S. meat export destinations and continued strong global appetite for American protein, even as one major market presents significant hurdles.
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