NCC provides update on poultry exports to China

Following the recent United States-China summit, poultry exports were the latest agricultural product to receive clearance for more trade with China.

According to recent information on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website, 17 states now have access to China for exports as of May 15.

“China is a major market for US chicken, especially paws, and the lifting of export restrictions and the reinstatement of the regionalization framework is a significant development,” said Harrison Kricher, president of the National Chicken Council (NCC). “I want to thank the Trump administration, USTR and APHIS in particular, for their work in holding China to the terms it agreed to. Restoration of access would have a meaningful impact on export volumes of American chicken.”

Before the decision, China blocked raw poultry imports from US states, citing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.

A previous regionalization agreement between the two countries stated poultry exports could resume 90 days after cleaning and disinfection in certain areas affected by HPAI. China would then have five days to review and lift restrictions to restore access.

The NCC pointed out 27 states remain under restriction by China, including important producer states like Georgia, Mississippi and Missouri, which reached the 90-day mark of the regionalization agreement. APHIS closeout reports for the states are expected soon by the association.

According to USDA data, China purchased $286.5 million in poultry products last year. During 2022, China bought $1.09 billion in the same category.