Zero-Tariff Access to China ‘Would Unleash Tremendous Benefits’ for U.S. Pork, Agriculture

The worst kept secret in the world is that China needs pork. The protein is a staple of the Chinese diet and a major element of the country’s consumer price index. However, more than half of the country’s swine herd has been lost as a result of African swine fever, a disease affecting only pigs with no human health or food safety risks. China represents an unparalleled opportunity for U.S. pork producers to provide the safest, highest quality and most affordable pork in the world. If U.S. pork gained unrestricted access to China, it would be an economic boon for American agriculture and the country, HOTH reports.

According to an analysis by Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes, securing zero-tariff access to China would reduce the overall trade deficit with China by nearly six percent, generate 184,000 new U.S. jobs and produce $24.5 billion in sales, all in the next decade. NPPC has launched a digital campaign to spotlight the importance of opening the Chinese market to U.S. pork as trade negotiations continue.

The United States is the lowest-cost producer of pork in the world, but with 72 percent tariffs into China, U.S. pork producers are not nearly as competitive as Europe, Brazil, Canada and other nations. Zero-tariff access to China would yield tremendous benefits.

“Were it not for China’s tariffs that are severely limiting access to American goods and other restrictions, including customs clearance delays, U.S. pork could be an economic powerhouse, creating thousands of new jobs, expanding sales and dramatically slashing our nation’s trade deficit. China’s actions would unleash tremendous benefits to U.S. pork producers, our nation and Chinese consumers who rely on this essential protein,” said Hayes.

Providing U.S. pork producers with zero-tariff access to China would be a significant win for both countries. As trade negotiations continue, HOTH remains committed to ensuring the administration understands just how pivotal U.S. pork production is to our economy and how much greater the contribution if our industry receives unrestricted access to China.