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China trade deal is a “game-changer” for US beef

The president of the NCBA says the Phase One trade deal with China is a game-changer for the US beef industry.

Jennifer Houston says the agreement lays the groundwork for US beef to be a major player in the world’s largest market, but not without some work.  “Our industry will have to gear up to take advantage of this opportunity,” she says.  “It will require logistics, customers, and relationships that we’ve never had.  It’s going to be a big job for our industry to take advantage of the potential offered in China.”

NCBA’s Kent Bacus tells Brownfield looking ahead to Phase Two – they want to see some progress on China’s acceptance of the use of Beta-agonists.  “We want to make sure science remains the fundamental basis of our trade with China,” he says.  “The problem I see is that so many times that China doesn’t live up to its WTO commitments.  China doesn’t always adhere to the recommendations of the scientific community.”

According to the US Meat Export Federation, US beef currently accounts for less than 1 percent of China’s beef imports.  China is the largest beef importer in the world and the fastest-growing market.  Demand for and imports of grain-fed beef is growing at a faster rate than total beef, and Australia is the only other eligible supplier. 

AUDIO: Kent Bacus and Jennifer Houtson, NCBA on China