Why have over 400 U.S. beef plants lost export eligibility to China, and what agreement does this violate?

Over 400 U.S. beef plants lost export eligibility to China because the permissions Beijing granted between March 2020 and April 2021 lapsed over the past year, accounting for roughly 65% of once-registered plants; China has not explained why it allowed these registrations to expire, despite this violating the Phase One trade agreement it signed with Washington in 2020.

What is the current status of U.S. beef export access to China ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, and what are industry leaders hoping to achieve?

U.S. beef producers are seeking renewed export licenses to China ahead of the May 14–15 Trump-Xi summit, as they have been largely locked out since Beijing allowed registrations to expire last year; the United States Cattlemen's Association confirmed that White House staff assured them the issue would be part of the summit discussion, and association president Justin Tupper stated they are pushing to make it 'a big part of the discussion.'

US Beef Producers Seek Renewed China Export Access Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit

May 7, 2026

U.S. beef producers lobby for renewed export licenses to China ahead of the Trump-Xi summit after losing access due to expired registrations. Associations hope diplomatic talks will restore market access critical for the $1.7 billion industry.

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