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
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