DENVER — New data from the US Department of Agriculture and the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) saw a sharp decline in shipments to China during the April export period.

The association explained that retaliatory duties are a major headwind for both US beef and pork. Additionally, beef exports continue to face obstacles as US beef plants and some cold storage facilities have not had their establishment registrations renewed by China.

“We expected beef shipments to China to hit a wall in April, due to the one-two punch of higher tariffs and expired plant registrations,” said Dan Halstrom, president and chief executive officer for USMEF. “We are hopeful that these issues will be resolved soon and are encouraged by this week’s developments on trade negotiations with China. In the meantime, USMEF remains committed to market diversification and we have accelerated efforts to develop alternative destinations for cuts and variety meat items normally shipped to China.”

Beef export value in April was posted at $824.5 million, down 8% year-over-year. Volume was down 10%, totaling 100,659 tonnes. USMEF noted declines of nearly 70%, and shipments also trended lower for Mexico, Taiwan and the Middle East. Increases in South Korea, Japan and Central and South America offset some of the declines.

Through the first four months of 2025, beef exports were 3% below the 2024 pace at 411,027 tonnes. Export value was down 1% to $3.35 billion.

During April, China’s total duties for US beef peaked at 147% with the rate eventually lowered to 32% on May 14 after the United States and China agreed to temporary de-escalation while it worked on more negotiations.

USMEF added that products shipped prior to April were allowed to clear without an additional 125% tariff if it arrived by May 13.  

US pork exports totaled 237,250 tonnes, a 15% decrease compared to last year and the lowest in 10 months. Value fell 13% to $675.3 million.

Details from the report indicate that exports to China, primarily pork variety meats, declined 35% from a year ago. It also saw shipments lower from leading markets in Mexico and to Japan and Canada. Shipments to Colombia and Central America were both on a record pace for pork exports from the United States in April.

Through April, pork exports were reported at 991,738 tonnes, 5% below the 2024 record pace, with value falling 4% to $2.78 billion.  

“China has been renewing registrations for US pork establishments, but retaliatory duties remain a significant barrier,” Halstrom said. “Exports to Mexico cooled in April but keep in mind that the year-over-year comparison is with a record performance in April 2024. Year-to-date shipments to Mexico are fairly steady with last year’s record pace and demand elsewhere in Latin America is also very robust.”

China total duties for US pork and pork variety meats stood at 172% at the peak in April with the rate lowered to 57% on May 14. Just like the beef exports, products shipped before April 10 and arriving in China by May 13 were allowed to clear without the additional 125%.

April exports for US lamb muscle cuts totaled 257 tonnes up 45% from the previous year. Export value increased 15% to $1.44 million. Growth in this market was driven by almost doubling shipments to Mexico. USMEF said it was the first time since 2014 shipments from Mexico were above 100 tonnes for four consecutive months.