This week, Farmers for Free Trade, including the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), hosted a China trade panel for the Congressional Agriculture Trade Caucus. NPPC’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Maria C. Zieba, joined representatives from the American Farm Bureau, American Soybean Association, and Bayer to discuss the critical role of China in U.S. agricultural exports and as a source for farm inputs.
Key Highlights:
The panel, attended by dozens of congressional staff, addressed the significant impact of China on U.S. agriculture, including the importance of the Chinese market for pork exports. Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) recently launched the bipartisan caucus to advance agricultural trade policies, boost exports, and eliminate trade barriers that hinder U.S. products.
NPPC’s Perspective:
While NPPC supports strong trade relations with China, it has concerns about ongoing tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by the Asian nation on U.S. pork. Key challenges include China’s requirement for food manufacturers, processors, and storage facilities to be registered, as well as the country’s ban on the feed additive ractopamine. Additionally, since April 2018, U.S. pork has faced a 25% retaliatory tariff due to U.S. tariffs on Chinese products, including steel and aluminum.
Why It Matters:
China remains one of the top five markets for U.S. pork exports, with China/Hong Kong accounting for over $1.27 billion in U.S. pork sales last year. It is the third-largest value market and the second-largest volume market for U.S. pork. Maintaining and expanding this vital trade relationship is crucial for the U.S. pork industry’s success.
Maria Zieba emphasized the importance of trade with China during the panel, noting its significance for U.S. pork producers and the broader agricultural community. Swine Web will continue to provide updates on trade developments and their implications for the pork industry.
