China pegs imports as possible transporters for coronavirus. They are now requesting customs forms certifying shipments are free of COVID-19. Food exporters say the virus does not live on food or plants and exporters cannot guarantee shipments remain virus free once they leave their facility.
As we have previously reported, China has banned imports from packing plants exhibiting outbreaks of coronavirus. These increased tensions are something the chairman of the U.S. China Heartland Association, Bob Holden, says is a result of lack of trust and respect on both sides. Also, he says that looking out for our self interest means having food markets to promote ag goods around the world.
U.S. barley producers want to capitalize on the Phase One Deal to enter China’s market. Animal feed and a growing craft brew sector could create need for the crop. On average China imports up to 19 million metric tons of barley feed each year. Australia is its primary barley supplier.
Florida growers back a bill to block the import of Chinese citrus. Growers say that China’s products could bring citrus greening disease back to the U.S. In the past decade, the disease cost the sector billion of dollars. In April, the USDA eased citrus import restrictions on China, allowing a limited number in the country.