China is stepping up its inspections of pork imports from the United States. They are opening and inspecting every cargo that arrives rather than randomly as they had in the past. South Dakota Pork Producers Council Executive Director Glenn Muller says he’s concerned that could be a possible escalation of the trade conflict going on between the U.S. and China.
The inspections mean delays at Chinese ports with U.S. pork now sitting in port for up to two weeks instead of for a few days. Muller says that’s worrisome as well.
Muller’s encouraged that there’s another round of trade discussions set for next week between the U.S. and China. He’s hoping they’ll continue talking until an agreement is reached soon on ending the tariffs.
The move by the Chinese to increase inspections follows a 25 percent additional tariff China has placed on U.S. pork and other goods.
