09 Jul 2025
U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet
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U.S.–China Meat Trade: Exports Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers – July 2025
The U.S.–China meat trade has experienced a dramatic downturn in 2025. Pork and beef exports to China have fallen sharply due to persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, May 2025 marked one of the steepest year-on-year declines in recent trade history.
Key Factors Behind the Collapse in U.S.–China Meat Trade
- U.S. pork exports to China dropped 82 per cent year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with export value down 77 per cent to $20.7 million.
- Beef exports to China fell 91 per cent in volume and 90 per cent in value, totalling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million.
- Tariffs peaked in April at 172 per cent for pork and 147 per cent for beef. Although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57 per cent for pork and 32 per cent for beef.
- China has not renewed export registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering large volumes of U.S. beef ineligible for export
Broader Trade Impacts and Global Market Shifts
Despite the sharp decline in the U.S.–China meat trade, U.S. meat exports remain strong in other regions:
- Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
- Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years.
- Strong demand continues in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.
Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.–China trade negotiations before the 12 August tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.
For related updates, see our coverage on the China–Brazil poultry trade and Australian beef exports.
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