October 10, 2019
As African Swine Fever sweeps through China’s hog herd, Beijing is tapping into the country’s pork reserves. The Chinese government reportedly sold 30,000 metric tons last month. The outbreak has pork prices in the country skyrocketing, on top of increased cost due to the U.S.-China trade war.
The country’s retaliatory tariffs have made imports of American food and agriculture products more expensive. As negotiators with the two global powers meet in Washington this week, Politco reports that ballooning grocery bills back home are adding pressure on Beijing to reach a deal.
Some U.S. lawmakers believe talks will be successful if the main areas of dispute, including intellectual property theft, trade secrets, technology transfers, and currency manipulation, are properly addressed.
Senator Grassley hopes the two sides can pick up where they left off.