Why did U.S. beef exports to China collapse last year, and what was the scale of the decline?

U.S. beef exports to China collapsed last year because the registrations for most U.S. beef plants in China expired on March 16, causing more than 400 U.S. beef plants — accounting for roughly 65% of the once-registered facilities — to lose export eligibility over the past year; as a result, export volume dropped 48% from 2024 and export value plunged 69%, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation's USDA-based report.

What significant regulatory action did China take regarding U.S. beef exporters ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, and which major companies were affected?

China renewed export licenses for hundreds of U.S. beef processing plants, including facilities owned by Tyson Foods and Cargill, as revealed by Chinese customs data, coinciding with the leaders' meeting in Beijing on Thursday.

China renews licenses for hundreds of US beef exporters amid Trump-Xi summit

May 13, 2026

China renewed export licenses for over 400 U.S. beef plants, including Tyson Foods and Cargill, reversing a sharp decline in trade volume and value following expired permissions. This decision coincides with high-level diplomatic meetings between Beijing and Washington.

reuters

2026-05-13

China renews licenses for hundreds of US beef exporters amid Trump-Xi summit

China renews licenses for hundreds of US beef exporters amid Trump-Xi summit

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