US Pork Gains Ground in China Trade
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has expressed support for a recent agreement between the US and China to temporarily reduce tariffs on certain exports. This 90-day de-escalation marks a positive step for the US pork industry, which has been struggling with high trade barriers in international markets.
“America’s pork producers are encouraged by the temporary tariff reduction agreement reached by the U.S. and China. We look forward to the continued collaboration and engagement between both countries to further reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. No other country holds a candle to our export opportunities in China, as many of our exported pork products, such as offals, are not widely consumed in the U.S. and have nowhere to go,” said Duane Stateler, President of NPPC and a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.
Under the agreement, tariffs applied after April 2 have been lowered to 10% for the next 90 days. However, this temporary reduction does not affect tariffs that were in place before that date, such as those on steel and aluminum.
Despite the reduction, US pork exports to China still face a significant tariff burden—now at a minimum of 57%. This is an improvement from the previous rate of 172%, which made it extremely difficult for American pork producers to compete in China’s market.
Pork products like offals, which are less commonly consumed in the US, find strong demand in China. Trade with China presents a vital opportunity to add value to US pork production.
US pork producers now look ahead with cautious optimism. While the current reduction offers short-term relief, they hope for continued negotiations that will lead to long-term solutions and open markets.
For now, the temporary tariff pause offers a glimpse of potential progress in global trade partnerships for American agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic