Pork industry leaders aren’t too worried about high Chinese tariffs on U.S. pork. A new report shows the country’s per capita consumption is nearly 88 pounds per person per year.
The National Pork Producers Council says African Swine Fever is creating short-term import needs due to the decrease in China’s domestic pig population. The food and ag organization predicts China’s pork output will fall by at least 20 percent this year. Their decimated herd is part of the reason the U.S. had record export sales in July and August. The U.S. Meat Export Federation believes numbers could jump another 13 percent in 2020, despite the current 72% tariff. One official says without the tariff, U.S. pork exports could grow even faster.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has expressed confidence a phase 1 deal with China will be signed this month, which could bring tariff relief. However other sources report the signing could be delayed until December.
