Browse Data and Analysis

On March 31, 2025, China’s International Trade Single Window published a notification that included an update stating that imported meat and poultry products would require a “Product Expiration Date” as a data field for customs import declarations.

The Canadian cattle herd continued to experience contraction to begin 2025, however, there are signs of herd stabilization as cow slaughter declines and producers indicate an increase in heifer retention for beef replacement.

On March 15 and 17, the General Administration of Customs of China renewed or extended the facility registrations by five years for approximately 14 U.S. dairy, 210 U.S. poultry, and 365 U.S. pork establishments.

Post maintains its 2025 forecast on the decline of both pork and beef production. Due to the decline in domestic beef production and growing market demand, Post forecasts beef imports to grow in 2025. Post revised downward its 2025 pork import forecast to levels similar to 2024 owing to depressed demand.

On December 27, the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Investigation Bureau announced a safeguard investigation on global beef imports following a petition by the China Animal Agriculture Association (CAAA) and nine provincial animal agriculture associations.

The United States has become a leading supplier of beef products to China since its reentry into the market in 2017. This report reviews the development of the beef market, analyzes prospects, discusses potential opportunities, and examines in detail the distribution channels of beef products in the China market.

The Canadian cattle herd is forecast to sustain the long-term trend of contraction to begin 2025 but will begin to stabilize by year’s end on improved feed pricing and availability.

In 2025, Post forecasts both pork and beef production to decline. Lower domestic beef production is expected to help fuel further beef imports. However, Post forecasts pork imports in 2025 to remain at similar levels to 2024. Post forecasts pork consumption to decline in 2025 because of headwinds facing the economy and higher domestic pork prices.

The 2023 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2023 calendar year.

Health Canada is proposing a policy revision for foods derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), cattle and swine and their progeny.

The Canadian cattle herd continues its sustained contraction in 2024. A smaller beef cow inventory will see the 2024 calf crop decline. Improved cattle prices may signal improved heifer retention if moisture conditions and pastures improve, or producers could see this as an opportune time to maximize exiting the industry during a time of better returns.

Post forecasts economic headwinds will continue to impact consumption of both pork and beef in 2024. Swine and pork production in 2024 will be marginally down 3 percent as persistently low live hog and pork prices weigh on producers.