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
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
November 19, 2025 12:31 PM
·
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
November 19, 2025 11:06 AM
·
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
November 18, 2025 03:02 PM
·
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
November 18, 2025 01:02 PM
·
China still has a long way to go before it meets its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year.
November 18, 2025 11:23 AM
·
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
November 17, 2025 02:03 PM
·
