China will lift ban on U.S. beef

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Following a 13-year ban on U.S. beef exports to China, the Chinese Government indicates the nation will begin accepting U.S. beef from animals less than 30 months of age. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association calls the indication a tremendous opportunity for U.S. cattle producers. The U.S. Meat Export Federation called the announcement a “welcome first step” in restarting beef exports to China. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now must work with China’s Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to approve the certificates and protocols for exports. NCBA spokesperson Kent Bacus says the announcement is welcome news and “further highlights the benefits of trade in the Pacific.” He says the opened beef trade to China will expand further with passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, which was signed by the President and awaits Congressional approval.