U.S. Pork Facilities Secured for China Export Renewals
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NPPC worked with U.S. officials to renew registrations for 300+ U.S. pork processing and storage facilities eligible to export to China.
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More than 1,000 U.S. meat plants’ export approvals had expired in March, requiring renewal through negotiations with China’s General Administration of Customs.
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Why it matters: China remains a critical market for U.S. pork, particularly offal exports, with over 475,000 metric tons valued at $1.1 billion exported in 2024.
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Exports support 25% of U.S. pork production and over 155,000 jobs, contributing $66 in value per hog marketed.
USDA Moves to Make Faster Packing Plant Line Speeds Permanent
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that faster pork processing line speeds will become a permanent regulatory option.
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The New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) had allowed six plants to operate under increased speeds during a time-limited trial, set to expire May 15.
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USDA reviewed worker safety data and found that line speeds are not the leading factor in musculoskeletal risks.
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Why it matters: Without higher line speeds, pork packing capacity could decline, lowering producer prices by an estimated $10 per head and disrupting supply chains.
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NPPC fully supports the move to increase capacity and efficiency for pork producers.
NPPC Urges Canada to Exclude U.S. Pork from Retaliatory Tariffs
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NPPC called on Canada to exempt U.S. pork from retaliatory tariffs in response to President Trump’s proposed duties on Canadian imports.
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In 2024, the U.S. exported $850 million of pork to Canada, while Canada exported $1.7 billion of pork to the U.S.
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Canadian live swine exports to the U.S. totaled $560 million, with many pigs being finished and processed in U.S. facilities before some pork was exported back to Canada.
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Why it matters: Retaliatory tariffs on pork would disrupt long-standing supply chains and damage the integrated North American pork market. NPPC continues to advocate for trade stability and market access.
NPPC Pushes USDA to Recognize Manure in Climate-Smart Agriculture Rules
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NPPC has urged USDA to reconsider a proposed rule on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) biofuel feedstocks, which excludes manure as a recognized climate-smart practice.
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The rule covers practices such as no-till farming and nutrient management but does not account for manure’s role in reducing greenhouse gases and enhancing soil health.
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NPPC argues that manure is a sustainable, closed-loop nutrient source that improves soil carbon storage, reduces emissions, and enhances nutrient cycling.
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Why it matters: USDA’s omission could limit pork producers’ ability to participate in climate-smart programs and undermine the environmental benefits of manure use. NPPC is pushing for manure’s inclusion in carbon intensity scoring and sustainable farming incentives.
Final Takeaway
NPPC remains actively engaged in securing market access, regulatory improvements, and fair trade conditions for U.S. pork producers. From securing China export approvals and ensuring higher processing capacity to protecting trade relationships and advocating for manure’s role in sustainability, NPPC continues to fight for policies that strengthen the pork industry’s future.
