USDA revealed that China updated its registration lists for beef export by adding 20 new facilities from the US.
Some of the business additions to the list include Tyson Fresh Meats, JHJ Meats and Rocky Mountain Natural Meats.
The facilities will be given a China Export Verification program and be listed on USDA’s agricultural marketing service website as an approved establishment.
Reacting to the news, the North American Meat Institute believed the development reflected USDA’s work to increase US beef market access to China, one year after US beef exports to the country resumed.
“The approval of these additional 20 U.S. facilities serves to bolster this momentum, and the Meat Institute looks forward to working closely with USDA and our members to ensure more U.S. beef suppliers become eligible to export their high-quality products to China,” said North American Meat Institute president Barry Carpenter.
Since the re-opening of US beef to China, beef exports have increased by 23% in volume and 51% in value, with Carpenter expecting further growth in 2018.
However, Carpenter revealed there is still work to do in terms of the US’ trade frictions with China and admitted that US beef suppliers may not be able to reach its true potential in the Chinese market.
“To avoid the adverse consequences that come from such disagreements, the Meat Institute urges China and the U.S. to work diligently to resolve any differences and to do so as soon as possible,” Carpenter added.