China Reopens Market to Over 100 U.S. Pork and Poultry Plants
Source: Reuters, 13 June 2025

In a significant step toward easing recent trade tensions, China has approved 106 U.S. meat facilities to resume exports of pork and poultry products, effective from 12 June, according to an official notice from Chinese Customs.

The announcement follows renewed dialogue between China and the United States, after both sides reached a framework agreement during trade talks in Geneva last month. The newly sanctioned list includes 23 pork plants and 83 poultry facilities, now eligible to ship approved products to the Chinese market.

Earlier this year, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 15% on $21 billion worth of American food and agricultural products. This move came in response to levies introduced by the U.S. government on Chinese exports. As a result, many U.S. meat plants lost their eligibility to trade with China, despite gaining initial access under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade agreement.

While pork and poultry facilities are now seeing renewed approvals, U.S. beef plants remain on hold, with many listings still marked as “expired” in China’s customs database.

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Original reporting by Ella Cao, Ethan Wang, Shi Bu and Ryan Woo. Edited by Louise Heavens. Published by Reuters on 13 June 2025.

China Extends Anti-Dumping Probe on EU Pork Imports

Global Markets – 13 June 2025 – China has announced a six-month extension to its anti-dumping investigation into pork products imported from the European Union, delaying a final decision until 16 December. The probe, which commenced in mid-June 2024, is widely interpreted as a countermeasure following the EU’s implementation of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle exports.

The ongoing investigation significantly impacts EU pork exports worth over US$2 billion, primarily affecting major producers such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. China, the world’s largest consumer of pork, stated that the extension was necessary due to the “complexity” of the case. This delay comes amid reports that China and the EU are nearing an agreement concerning the contentious electric vehicle tariffs.

A considerable proportion of the EU’s pork shipments to China includes offal, such as pig ears, noses, and feet, which are highly valued in Chinese culinary traditions. In 2024, China imported pork valued at US$4.8 billion, with over half of these imports originating from the European Union, led by Spain. The extension of the probe has been met with cautious reactions from representatives within the EU’s pork industry.

Original source: UkrAgroConsult: China delays decision on EU pork imports

Scotbeef Shuts Inverurie Site Amidst UK Meat Industry Challenges

INVERURIE, ABERDEENSHIRE – 11 June 2025 – Scotbeef, a long-standing family-owned meat processing firm, has announced the closure of its abattoir in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, resulting in the loss of 90 jobs. This significant slaughterhouse shutdown has been driven by “sustained challenges within the UK meat and beef industry,” according to BBC News, marking a stark development for the UK meat processing sector.

The decision by Scotbeef reflects the ongoing pressures faced by the nation’s livestock sector and the wider food supply chain. Established in 1920, Scotbeef is a prominent supplier of beef and lamb to UK retailers, notably being the first to introduce the Aberdeen Angus brand to the retail market in 1993.

While the Inverurie facility ceases operations, Scotbeef maintains other processing sites in Annan and Sheffield. The closure in Aberdeenshire underscores the acute difficulties confronting UK agriculture and the meat production crisis in certain regions, prompting concerns about abattoir funding and the resilience of rural economies in June 2025. This development is a key piece of meat trade news impacting local employment and broader beef market dynamics.

Source: BBC News

North Warwickshire Council Rejects T&S Abattoir Expansion Amid Welfare and Local Concerns

Arley, UK – 11 June 2025 – North Warwickshire Borough Council has refused a retrospective planning application for the expansion of T&S Abattoir in Arley, a decision that follows previous animal welfare breaches and significant local opposition. The abattoir had already carried out extensive modifications to its premises before seeking official permission, prompting a strong reaction from both regulatory bodies and nearby residents.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) had previously revoked the abattoir’s license due to serious animal welfare incidents. This regulatory action underscored the concerns that have been building around the facility, which initially operated as a butcher’s shop before significantly scaling up its operations under new ownership.

The planning committee’s decision to reject the expansion was driven by a range of issues, including road safety, increased noise, and unpleasant odours affecting the local community. Residents of Arley, a small village, had voiced their protests vocally, calling for the abattoir’s closure and highlighting the unsuitability of such industrial traffic movements within their rural setting.

Under its previous management, the abattoir slaughtered fewer than 3,900 animals annually. However, following the takeover, this volume surged to over 10 times that amount, with the facility operating for extended hours and more days per week. This dramatic increase in activity was identified as a primary factor in the council’s refusal, deemed to cause “significant and demonstrable harm to residential amenity and highway safety.”

Original reporting by BBC News: North Warwickshire abattoir retrospective expansion refused

China Delays EU Pork Import Decision Amidst EV Tariff Talks

BEIJING, CHINA – 10 June 2025 – China has extended its high-profile investigation into imported pork from the European Union (EU) by six months, a decision made just days before its original conclusion date. This move by Beijing comes as negotiators from Brussels and Beijing continue to carve out a deal over the EU’s electric vehicle (EV) tariffs, as reported by Reuters.

The pork import probe, launched in June last year, is widely perceived as a retaliatory measure for EU tariffs imposed on Chinese EV exports. It has impacted over $2 billion (£1.57 billion) in pork exports, primarily from major EU producers such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. China, the world’s largest consumer of pork, has now decided to prolong the investigation period to 16 December 2025, citing the “complexity” of the case, according to a statement from the country’s commerce ministry.

This delay aligns with broader efforts by China and the EU to reach a resolution on the contentious EV tariffs. Beijing has already extended its anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy and has offered to expedite rare earth magnet export licences for European firms, indicating a tactical approach to the ongoing trade disputes.

A significant portion of the EU’s pork shipments to China comprises offal – including pig ears, noses, and feet – which are highly valued in Chinese cuisine but have limited alternative destinations. In 2024, China imported $4.8 billion (£3.77 billion) worth of pork, including offal, with over half of this volume originating from the EU, and Spain leading the bloc in export volume.

The extension of the probe has been met with cautious welcome from industry representatives in the EU, collectively the world’s largest pork exporter. Anne Richard, director of French pork industry association INAPORC, stated, “We’d rather that they take the time for consultations before any decision.” Similarly, Giuseppe Aloisio, director general of Spain’s meat industry association ANICE, commented that while it means “six more months of waiting, which means the cloud hanging over us will remain, but we remain confident and calm.”

In a previous gesture signaling openness to a deal, China expanded access for Spanish cherries and some pork products in April. This prolonged investigation keeps pressure on the EU’s meat processing sector and highlights the intricate relationship between various trade disputes.

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Reporting by Ryan Woo and Ella Cao; additional reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris, Emma Pinedo in Madrid and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Copenhagen; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Saad Sayeed and David Evans. Source: Reuters.

Argentine Meat Exports See Volumes Drop, But Prices Rise

Argentina’s meat export landscape is shifting, with new data revealing a significant drop in export volumes, even as the value per ton of meat is on the rise. This complex picture, with falling sales to key markets and a surprising uptick in imports, paints a challenging scene for the South American nation’s beef industry.

Recent figures show a 25% decrease in the volume of meat shipped in the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2024. In terms of value, however, the drop was a much smaller 2%, cushioned by higher prices for Argentine beef on the international market.

A major factor in this downturn is a sharp reduction in demand from China. The Asian powerhouse, which has been the destination for nearly 60% of Argentina’s meat exports, has cut its purchases by 40% in the early part of 2025. This has had a significant knock-on effect on the overall export numbers.

In an interesting twist, Argentina has been increasing its own beef imports since October 2024. Brazil has emerged as the main supplier for this growing import market.

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Information for this article was sourced from data reported by ukragroconsult.com.

Cornwall’s Small Abattoirs Face Closure Amid Rising Veterinary Check Costs

Truro, Cornwall – Monday, June 9, 2025 – Small abattoirs in Cornwall are facing an existential threat due to significantly increased costs for veterinary checks, with owners fearing that rising fees and the removal of a discount scheme by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) could force them out of business.

Mark Rowe, an abattoir owner in Cornwall, highlighted that his annual inspection bills could surge by an estimated £70,000 due to the proposed changes. He emphasized the delicate nature of the rural economy and stressed the potential need for government funding to safeguard local abattoirs.

Andrew Body of Lodge & Thomas auctioneers underscored the critical role these facilities play in fostering competition and providing essential services to farmers. He warned that the livestock market in Truro would not be able to survive without their continued operation.

The government has stated its commitment to collaborating with the meat processing sector to address these challenges and has invested £5 billion into sustainable food production. However, the immediate impact of the increased costs is a pressing concern for Cornwall’s abattoir owners and the wider farming community.

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Source: BBC News

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.

Source: AGWeb

Hungary Declares Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Contained; EU Restrictions Lifted

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – June 6, 2025 – Hungary’s farm minister, István Nagy, has announced that the country has successfully contained the recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, leading to the lifting of restrictions imposed by the European Union. This pivotal development for the Hungarian agricultural sector was reported by multiple outlets, including Global Banking and Finance Review (citing Reuters) and Agroberichten Buitenland.

According to Minister Nagy, there have been no new FMD outbreaks on affected farms for over a month and a half. Disinfection efforts are progressing rapidly, and preparations are underway for the repopulation of sites where animals had to be culled. “The virus is gone,” Nagy stated, indicating effective eradication measures.

The initial FMD case was reported on March 7, 2025, at a cattle farm in Kisbajcs, near the border with Slovakia. This led to subsequent infections on five farms in the region, prompting border closures and the mass slaughter of affected livestock to prevent further spread. The GOV.UK website noted that the UK, for instance, had imposed import bans on livestock and certain products from Hungary and Slovakia following the initial outbreak.

While the immediate crisis is over, authorities are still actively investigating the origins of the outbreak. Minister Nagy reiterated that various theories are being examined, including the possibility of a “biological attack,” a suggestion previously made by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, as reported by Porkbusiness.com.

FMD, which poses no danger to humans, primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing fever and blisters. Outbreaks typically result in severe trade restrictions and extensive culling of livestock. The successful containment and subsequent lifting of EU restrictions are crucial steps towards the full recovery and stability of Hungary’s livestock industry.

Source: Reuters 

Australian Livestock Markets See Stable Cattle Prices, Soaring Mutton, and High Cattle Throughput

AUSTRALIA – June 6, 2025 – Australia’s cattle market remained stable in the week ending June 6, reflecting national confidence, while mutton prices surged to their highest levels since 2022. The sheep market saw mixed results, with lamb slaughter volumes undergoing a seasonal decline.

According to the latest Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) weekly market wrap, cattle prices held steady. Yardings, the number of livestock presented at saleyards, increased by 8,345 head during the week, reaching a total of 72,045 head. This indicates a robust movement of cattle through the supply chain.

In the sheep sector, mutton prices notably rose, achieving their highest levels since 2022. This strong performance in mutton occurred despite a more mixed outlook for the lamb market. Lamb slaughter volumes, however, reflected a seasonal decline in supply, with a national throughput of 460,626 head, representing an 8% fall for the week.

Conversely, cattle slaughter volumes reached a new high for the current cycle, recording their highest volume since 2019, with a total of 153,100 head processed. This sustained high level of cattle processing underscores ongoing strong demand from the processing sector. The MLA report provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic shifts within Australia’s red meat industry.

Original source: MLA