Export registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat processing plants have expired, potentially affecting shipments to China, the world’s largest meat importer. The lapse, which occurred on Sunday, was reflected on the website of China’s General Administration of Customs, impacting facilities producing pork, beef, and poultry, including those owned by major companies such as Tyson Foods, Smithfield Packaged Meats, and Cargill Meat Solutions.
The expiration affects approximately two-thirds of all registered U.S. meat plants approved under the 2020 Phase 1 trade deal, which required China to maintain an updated list of approved facilities. This development raises concerns about continued market access for U.S. meat exports, valued at approximately $5 billion annually.
In February, registrations for 84 U.S. meat plants had already expired, but their shipments have continued to clear Chinese customs. However, it remains unclear how long imports will be allowed to continue without renewed approvals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that China has not responded to multiple requests to renew plant registrations, which may impact compliance with the Phase 1 agreement.
China remains a key market for U.S. meat, with the country ranking as the third-largest supplier by volume in 2024, following Brazil and Argentina. The U.S. accounted for 590,000 tons of China’s total meat imports, representing 9% of total shipments, with export values reaching $2.5 billion last year.
A potential loss of access to the Chinese market could have a significant impact, especially for exporters of specialty meat products such as chicken feet and pork offal, which have limited domestic demand in the U.S.
Smithfield Foods CEO Shane Smith noted that tariffs and market conditions have already made it challenging for U.S. producers to sell all parts of the animal. While Smithfield does not export large quantities of meat to China, it does ship offal products, including pig stomachs, hearts, and heads.
The status of U.S. meat exports to China remains uncertain as industry stakeholders await further responses from Chinese regulatory authorities. Ensuring continued access to the market will be crucial for American meat producers navigating evolving trade conditions.
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