BRASILIA – China recently approved 25 Brazil-based meat processing plants to export beef, chicken, pork and donkey meat, according to an announcement by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture.

The ministry said in their statement that 17 plants process beef, six chicken, one pork and one donkey meat. Companies can start exporting to China immediately.

BRF S.A., Minerva S.A. and Marfrig Global Foods S.A. were all listed as companies cleared to export.

China continues to struggle with its pork production due to the ongoing outbreak of African Swine Fever, and trading partners are stepping up to fill the gap. A report by Rabobank said China is increasing imports of pork, beef and poultry. Beef exports to China have jumped by more than 50 percent in the first half of 2019. Brazil also dominates poultry exports to China, according to Rabobank.