Missouri’s pork producers applaud President Trump’s signing of the first phase of a trade deal with China. This deal is a step toward opening the door for more pork exports to the country, which is struggling with reliable sources of pork after being hit with African Swine Fever.

“Pork is the most-consumed protein in China,” said Missouri Pork Association Board Chairman Marcus Belshe, a pork producer from Henley, Missouri. “The United State pork industry is in a great position to provide an affordable product to meet their needs.”

In order for the pork industry to take full advantage of this unprecedented sales opportunity, China should eliminate all tariffs on U.S. pork for at least five years. Currently, U.S. pork exports are assessed a 60 percent punitive tariff, while other nations face an eight percent tariff. According to Dermot Hays, Iowa State University Economist, if the Chinese grant U.S. pork unrestricted market access, it would generate 184,000 new jobs and increase pork exports by $24.5 billion in the next ten years.

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information on the association, visit www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.

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