Boost in US meat trade with China following new approvals

Nov 28, 2023

In a landmark move for the U.S. meat industry, China has approved 18 beef and 12 pork establishments from the U.S. for export. This long-awaited decision is a result of the streamlined process established by the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement, which has been in effect since early 2020. The recent approvals end a 10-month hiatus, providing a major boost to the U.S. meat export sector.

The agreement between the U.S. and China has greatly facilitated the registration and approval processes for meat establishments. This development reflects the ongoing commitment to the Phase One Agreement, under which the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service's approvals are recognized by China. Despite a pause in updates earlier this year, this new round of approvals has reignited optimism for future growth and collaboration.

China remains a key market for U.S. meat exports. Although beef shipments to China have seen a decrease compared to the record levels of 2022, China is still the fourth largest importer of U.S. beef. The outlook for this market segment remains promising.

Even though muscle cut shipments are experiencing a downtrend on the pork front, China continues to be the prime market for U.S. pork variety meat exports, with a notable increase in exports this year.

The recent plant approvals have significant implications for the U.S. meat industry. They not only demonstrate the resilience and potential of the U.S. as a leading meat exporter but also highlight the critical role of international trade agreements in shaping the dynamics of global markets.

With these new developments, the U.S. meat industry is poised to strengthen its position in the global arena, particularly in the lucrative Chinese market.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.