LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — China sharply increased rejections of meat imports in 2025, raising new regulatory risk for U.S. livestock exporters. The spike adds uncertainty amid elevated trade tensions between Beijing and key suppliers.
According to retired USDA economist Dr. Fred Gale, last year the total number of food rejections from China rose 55 percent compared to 2024, while shipment volume jumped 150 percent. Of 4,889 rejected shipments, more than 1,000 came from the United States — the highest of any country.
Meat accounted for nearly 1,800 rejected shipments totaling about 25,000 metric tons. U.S. beef was frequently flagged for melengestrol acetate, while chicken feet failed sensory inspections or labeling reviews. Melengestrol acetate is a synthetic hormone fed only to feedlot heifers to prevent heat cycles, reduce stress, and improve feed efficiency and weight gain.
The surge coincided with antidumping duties on pork from the European Union (EU), safeguard tariffs on beef, and broader efforts by Chinese authorities to support domestic meat producers.
For U.S. exporters, inspection enforcement now poses a growing non-tariff barrier that could quickly shift protein trade flows.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Heightened Chinese inspections increase trade volatility for U.S. livestock exporters.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features swine competition with top exhibitors, including Grand Champion Brinley Wilson, ahead of Saturday’s premium sale.
January 15, 2026 04:07 PM
·
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
January 15, 2026 12:30 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
January 14, 2026 11:54 AM
·
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
·
