US pork industry calls for unrestricted access to China
Citing analysis by Dermot Hayes of Iowa State University, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said unrestricted access would be an “economic boon for American agriculture and the country”.
“Were it not for China’s tariffs that are severely limiting access to American goods and other restrictions, including customs clearance delays, US pork could be an economic powerhouse, creating thousands of new jobs, expanding sales and dramatically slashing our nation’s trade deficit. China’s actions would unleash tremendous benefits to U.S. pork producers, our nation and Chinese consumers who rely on this essential protein,” said Hayes.
According to Hayes’ analysis, if US pork gained unrestricted access to China, it would generate $24.5bn over 10 years.
He explained that pork is a staple of the Chinese diet and a major element of the country’s consumer price index however its herd has been devastated by African Swine Fever, reducing domestic production by more than 50% and resulting in a mounting food price inflation challenge for the country.
To help highlight the urgency of the situation, the NPPC has launched a digital campaign on the issue of trade to China.
“The US pork industry is missing out on an unprecedented sales opportunity in China when it most needs an affordable, safe and reliable supply of its favored protein,” said NPPC president David Herring, a hog farmer from Lillington, N.C. “The United States is the lowest-cost producer of pork in the world, but with 72% tariffs we are not nearly as competitive as Europe, Brazil, Canada and other nations.”
