NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — U.S. beef exporters now have a clearer path back into China after hundreds of plant registrations were renewed, though industry analysts say shipments may take time to recover.
Josh Maples with Mississippi State says U.S. beef exports to China totaled just 5.3 million pounds during the first quarter, down 95 percent from a year ago.
The slowdown stemmed largely from facility registration issues after more than 400 U.S. beef plants lost export eligibility when required registrations expired and were not renewed.
That situation improved following the Trump-Xi summit.
According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, China granted registration extensions to 425 overdue U.S. beef establishments while also approving 77 new facilities. Another 38 establishments remain suspended.
Despite the renewed access, Maples says tight U.S. beef supplies and elevated domestic prices continue limiting export competitiveness.
Hong Kong has absorbed some additional U.S. beef shipments, though combined exports to China and Hong Kong remain well below levels seen between 2021 and 2024.
Maples says China remains a critical export market, but renewed plant access will still need to translate into actual sales and shipments moving forward.
