Poultry & Meat

China Ends Duties on US Chicken, But Market Remains Closed

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China’s decision to drop anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties as of February 27 on US chicken broilers was welcomed by the American industry, but the decision is not expected to have any immediate, direct impact because the China market is still closed to US poultry and egg exports due to an ongoing avian influenza ban imposed in 2015.

The World Trade Organization in January required China to remove the duties, which were first imposed in 2010.

Line ProductionRegarding the possible reopening of the China market to the US in light of China’s action, USA Poultry and Export Council (USAPEEC) President Jim Sumner commented: “We’re always hopeful, but we’re not overly optimistic. Nevertheless, we consider it a very positive sign that we have prevailed in this WTO case, and we hope that it sends a signal to other countries that the United States does not engage in dumping activities. We are especially appreciative of the US Trade Representative’s relentless effort during many years of hearings and appeals before the WTO, which ultimately allowed the United States to prevail.”

ncc logo“This is welcome news and a step in the right direction, and we’ll continue to work to reopen the Chinese market to US broiler products and paws,” added National Chicken Council (NCC) President Mike Brown. “I want to thank those in the Administration who continue to work with us to get the avian influenza ban lifted, including representatives from USTR, FSIS, APHIS and members of Congress.”

China’s action comes at a time when its government and the United States are engaged in a dispute over a number of trade issues involving a variety of different products.