Despite China emerging as a major beef buyer in recent years, with imports up from US$275 million in 2012 to US$2.5 billion in 2016, the US has been banned from Chinas market since 2003 - but that looks like it’s all about to change.

The US is the world’s largest beef producer and was the world’s fourth-largest exporter, with global sales of more than US$5.4 billion in 2016 and until the ban took effect, the US was China’s largest supplier of imported beef, providing 70% of their total intake.
 
The US Commerce Department has announced how the government has taken “important steps toward commercial shipment” for the first time since 2003.
 
These shipments are results of the US-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue co-chaired by Secretary Ross and Secretary Mnuchin for the US and Vice Premier Wang Yang for China. Accordingly, the US Department of Agriculture has reached agreement with Chinese officials on final details of a protocol to allow the US to begin the beef exports to China.
 
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has said technical documents relating to the beginning of shipments have been posted. 
 
“Today is a great day for the United States and in particular for our cattle producers, who will be regaining access to an enormous market with an ever-expanding middle class,” says Perdue.
 
“I have no doubt that as soon as the Chinese people get a taste of American beef they’ll want more of it.”
 
“As we clear away long-standing issues like this one, focusing on near-term, verifiable deliverables, we are building a sound foundation for further discussions. I look forward to engaging with our Chinese counterparts as we address more complex issues to the benefit of both our nations,” adds Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
  
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has also updated its online Export Library specifying China’s requirements for certifying US beef being shipped there.