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Chinese economic transition could open markets for American ag

Dr. Mark Lyon addresses attendees at the NIAA Conference in Columbus Ohio

A U.S. feed industry leader says China’s economic transition continues to create opportunities for American farmers.

Dr. Mark Lyons, Global Vice President & Head of Greater China for Alltech told livestock producers U.S. pork exports to China in particular have increased significantly over the last few years and this demonstrates how U.S. producers can benefit from rising demand.

“So we’ve actually seen a billion dollar trade almost double over the last few years. Who is the biggest beneficiary of that trade? It’s got to be the producer. If there’s more export and more product getting into the market, that’s definitely going to improve things for that producer,” says Lyons.

He says the Chinese middle class is rising in economic power and influence.

“Today, about 10 percent of the Chinese population has over $10,000 of disposable income. In a very short amount of time, by 2030, that number’s going to go up to 35 percent. That 25 percent increase is the equivalent of the U.S. population,” says Lyons.

Lyons says while political challenges remain, American producers need to continue to engage with China to expand their export markets.

Lyons spoke at the National Institute of Animal Agriculture’s annual conference in Columbus Ohio.

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