4 New US Meatpacking Plants Accredited to Export Meat

In 2021, US beef exports to CHINA /Hong Kong exceeded 220,000 tons, while pork exports were lower than in 2020. 

This month, four more US meatpacking plants gained access to the Chinese market. The announcement was made on Jan. 7 by China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) and concerns four pork, beef, and poultry production plants.

China has become one of the most lucrative markets for the US MEAT industry, especially for red meat products. According to the US Meat EXPORT Federation (USMEF), beef exports to China/Hong Kong will exceed $2 billion in 2021. During November, exports to the region nearly doubled year-over-year to 219,264 tons (up 98%) and increased 125% in value to $1.9 billion. Direct exports to China, underpinned by significantly improved market access achieved under the first phase of the US-China trade and economic agreement, increased over 400% year-over-year to 172,257 tons, worth $1.43 billion (an increase by 502%).

Total pork exports to China ended 2021 significantly lower than a year ago. But even as domestic pork production is recovering, Chinese demand for American pork has strengthened, with exports up 29% year-over-year to 306,753 tons in November, worth $746.4 million, up 31%.

Other major market players also reported a decrease in pork imports to China: the EU, Brazil and CANADA.