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Hope for reopening the Chinese market to U.S. poultry

The resumption of U.S. poultry exports to China could be an early signal a trade deal between the two countries is imminent.

Midwest Poultry Federation executive director Steve Olson says China closed its doors to U.S. poultry in 2015 amid the avian influenza outbreak.

“That was frustrating. But we’re encouraged that President Trump has sent a letter to China, asking them to open (their market) back up because it would be easier to do versus some of the other trade issues we have. So that’s promising that it is being discussed.”

Before the 2015 ban, he tells Brownfield China had become the number two market for U.S. poultry.

“As their incomes rise, people upgrade their diets and consume more protein, but also higher quality protein. So turkey, eggs, and chicken has been growing in that market and we see a lot of potential there.”

Mexico remains the number one customer of U.S. turkey, chicken and eggs despite steel and aluminum tariffs that Olson says have had little impact on poultry exports.