China has terminated 12,000 tonnes of pork imports from the US amid escalating trade tensions between the two nations, as per data revealed on Thursday.
As one of the largest trading partners of the US, China has outstanding orders for 12,000 tons of American pork, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This cancellation marks the largest withdrawal of pork orders since the Covid-19 outbreak disrupted global supply networks and economies. Bloomberg News has reported.
In 2024, China ranked as the third biggest buyer of US pork, following Mexico and Japan, importing around 475,000 metric tons valued at over $1.1 billion.
The USDA notes that China is the leading pork producer globally, contributing nearly 50% of the overall supply at around 57 million metric tons. The US holds the third position with an 11% share, amounting to 12 million tons.
In a disruptive move earlier this month, President Trump imposed hefty cleaning fees on numerous countries, including a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, provoking China to retaliate with its own 125% tariff.
On Thursday, China indicated that the US is not negotiating to establish a new trade agreement.
“They convened a meeting this morning, and we conferred with China, and I believe you have… As usual, I think your reports are inaccurate,” Trump stated to reporters on Thursday.
Following the increase in tariffs, China established two agricultural trade accords with Spain concerning pork and cherries, indicating an effort to bolster ties with European nations. Reuters disclosed.
According to Bloomberg News, the US Meat Export Federation indicated that US pork imports now face tariffs of 172%.
