What Trump Tariffs Mean for Food and Agriculture Trade

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Tariffs for Canada and China are in effect as of February 4, while the tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for one month following negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 members of her country’s national guard to the border to address drug trafficking... 

Brazil’s Pork, Chicken and Egg Exports Increase in February

Brazilian exports of eggs, pork, and chicken meat recorded significant growth in February, according to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Egg Exports Rise 57.5%

Brazilian egg exports, including fresh and processed products, totaled 2,527 metric tons in February, a 57.5% increase compared to 1,604 metric tons in the same period last year. Export revenue rose 63.2%, reaching $4.94 million from $3.02 million.

For the first two months of the year, exports reached 4,884 metric tons, marking a 38.2% increase from the 3,535...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

Brands Are Adapting to Consumer Shifts with Bold Flavors, Bigger Appeal

As consumers tighten their budgets and shift toward more meals at home, industry leaders are finding innovative ways to attract spenders. Some brands have focused on expanding their ToGo options, while others have embraced the rising popularity of spicy combinations.

Applebee’s® Enhances ToGo Offerings

Applebee’s is stepping up its ToGo game with a limited-time offer: 50-cent Boneless Wings, available when ordered between March 18–21 via the Applebee’s mobile app or online at Applebees.com.

Voted America’s favorite in a nationwide double-blind taste test...

Impact of Pork and Beef Exports on Corn and Soybean Industries a Bright Spot for Producers

In the wake of a challenging year for U.S. corn and soybean producers, an updated study shows how exports of pork and beef provide support to their bottom lines. In 2024, U.S. pork and beef exports of $19.1 billion – an increase of $1 billion over 2023 and down just 2% from the 2022 record – had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by the Juday Group and released by...

The Retail Rundown: Key Buying Occasions on the Horizon 

March presents key retail buying opportunities as spring holidays approach and Lent influences shopping and dining habits.

With Lent beginning today, meat sales typically decline as participants shift toward seafood. This week, seafood promotions rose to 28% of total retail features, up from 26% last week. Currently, 31% of seafood ads highlight fresh or frozen fillets, with options like salmon, cod, and catfish averaging $9.30 per pound on discount—nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

Elsewhere in the retail landscape, beef and pork each account for nearly 25% of featured promotions...

Hormel Foods Unveils FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage 

Hot honey has long been a relevant talking point for pizzaiolos, as more and more pizza establishments are incorporating hot honey into their menus and offerings. Hormel Foods, a known innovator in the pizza space, naturally took notice of this increasingly "hot" trend, and the company's Foodservice team took it from there with the development of FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage, which debuts later this month at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

Bold and deliciously simple, this new product is "taking heat somewhere sweet," bringing...

Armanino Foods Reports Strong Q4 and Fiscal Year Growth

Armanino Foods of Distinction is celebrating its third consecutive quarter of record financial results.

The company is known for making frozen Italian specialty foods like sauces, pestos, and filled pastas that are manufactured for the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets.

For the quarter, net sales increased by 15%, reaching $18.5 million, compared to $16.1 million in the same period of 2023. For the fiscal year 2024, net sales grew by 9%, totaling $69.4 million, up from $63.6 million in 2023...

Hendrix Genetics Swine Reaffirms China Focus Following Merger 

Hendrix Genetics Swine, the name of the merged entity between Hendrix Genetics’ Swine Division and Danish Genetics given earlier this year, will carry on with its “in China for China” strategy, it said.  

That was the policy carried out by the parent company Hendrix Genetics in the country. Hendrix Genetics holds a majority stake in Hendrix Genetics Swine.  

“Both Hypor and Danish Genetics products will remain available to the China market”, the company said, adding that the “marketing, sales, service and operation of both will be led and managed...

Subway Brings Back a Tasty Offer: Get Any Footlong For $6.99

Subway® continues to serve up serious value with the return of the $6.99 any footlong promotion, perfect for fans hungry for affordability, quality and convenience. Starting February 28, guests can order any footlong sub on Subway’s menu for just $6.99* by using promo code 699FL on the Subway app or Subway.com.

Budget-conscious consumers can choose from any chef-crafted sandwich or build their own custom creation using Subway’s pantry of high-quality ingredients, including crisp vegetables, freshly sliced meats...

Tyson Foods Strengthens Executive Team with Key Promotions in Poultry and Prepared Foods

Tyson Foods has announced two key executive promotions.

Devin Cole has been appointed Group President of Poultry, succeeding Wes Morris, who will retire next year.

Additionally, Brady Stewart’s responsibilities have been expanded to include oversight of the company’s Prepared Foods segment, in addition to his current roles as Group President of Beef, Pork, and Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Both executives will report directly to Donnie King, President and CEO of Tyson Foods. King stated that these promotions are designed to further the company’s...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Rides the Lenten Wave

With March just around the corner, the first signs of spring and warmer days are emerging—welcome news for both consumers and grocers.

Seafood leads this week's protein advertisements, accounting for 26% of total features, closely followed by beef and chicken at 23% each. Pork ads make up 22%, while turkey holds a 3.5% share. Egg promotions remain scarce, extending a two-week trend.

In the seafood complex, fillet promotions are ramping up ahead of the Lenten season, now making up 33.5% of the category’s volume. Ads for both raw and cooked...

Understanding PRRSV: Research, Challenges and Industry Efforts With Dr. Brent Pepin

Dr. Brent Pepin, NPB’s director of swine health, takes a deep dive into managing Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRSV). NPB has played a key role in advancing PRRSV research and supporting producers with resources to mitigate disease risks.

Background Information

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been a devastating disease for pork producers since its discovery in 1991. PRRSV continues to be a major challenge affecting production, pig health and welfare. PRRSV infection can cause respiratory disease and mortality...

Pizza Hut US Delivers Exceptional Big Game Results

Last week, 127.7 million pro football fans watched the sport’s final matchup, and Pizza Hut U.S. was ready to feed them. In fact, the brand claimed its highest sales per restaurant in its 67-year history during this year’s Big Game, proving that the most iconic Sunday in sports remains Pizza Hut’s busiest day of the year. It took a collective effort from the brand’s Digital & Technology, marketing and operations teams to ensure that football fans received piping hot Pizza Hut® pizzas to fuel their game-watching experience...

Statement from Smithfield Foods

Smithfield is pleased to announce that on October 24, 2024, FACTA, LLC, a third-party animal welfare assurance, certification, and training organization, which is accredited as a certifying agent by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform audits under the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Prop 12), recertified that farms 42104, 42105, 42106, 42107, and 42108, operated by Smithfield’s subsidiary Murphy-Brown LLC in Cedar City, Utah, were in compliance with CDFA’s Animal Confinement Regulations. And previously, on April 8, 2024, FACTA, LLC certified that farms 42100, 42101...

Firehouse Subs® Blazing a Trail to Australia

Firehouse Subs®, the iconic American sub sandwich restaurant chain renowned for delivering large, flavorful portions and exceptional customer experience, is coming to Australia this year. Retail Food Group (RFG), Australia's largest multi-brand retail food franchisor, intends for Firehouse Subs to become the #1 sandwich choice in the country, with plans to open 165 restaurants in 10 years, and the first restaurant planned to open in Southeast Queensland in late 2025.

Founded in Florida, U.S., in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for...

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

First Dual-Branded Applebee’s® | IHOP® Restaurant in the United States Opens in Texas

Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, announced the grand opening of its first dual-brand Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant in the U.S. in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group. The new restaurant opened to the public on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio.

At the dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant guests can enjoy all...

US Foods Reports Strong Fourth-Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

US Foods has announced its fourth-quarter and fiscal year results, showcasing strong growth and solid profit performance.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

US Foods achieved a 3.5% increase in total case volume in Q4. Net sales rose by 6.2%, reaching $9.5 billion. The company also saw a noteable rise in net income, which climbed to $66 million. Gross profit for the quarter increased by 4.8%, totaling $1.7 billion.

Fiscal Year 2024 Overview

For the full fiscal year 2024, the company reported a 4.2%...

ANALYSIS: Record US Pork Exports Fuel 2024 Growth

The latest USDA data released on February 6th shows US pork exports reaching a five-year monthly high in volume, which has exceeded volumes compared to the previous five years.

December 2024 exports totaled 292,935.3 metric tons (MT), a slight increase of 0.4% over November and 0.3% year-over-year. This capped off a year exceeding the previous five-year average by 6.5% and marking the highest annual export volume in five years. 

Export volumes surpassed 2023 levels in mid-June and...

2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

Each day, I work with strategic partners and my team at the National Pork Board (NPB) to serve America’s 60,000 producers by adding value to every part of the pig, domestically and internationally. Today, I’m fired up to celebrate the record-breaking 2024 year-end pork export data released last week, indicating a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

2024 Year-End Data

Let’s look at some key highlights sourced directly from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):

• Pork exports to Mexico totaled 1.15...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Undeclared Allergen in Pasty Oven Products

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for misbranding and undeclared allergens related to certain products from The Pasty Oven, Inc. The issue was discovered during a routine label inspection.

The affected products are fully cooked, ready-to-eat meat and poultry pasties that were produced using an egg wash, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label. No recall has been issued, as the items are no longer available for purchase...

The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

Jennings Premium Meats Breaks Ground on $2 million Expansion

Jennings Premium Meats announced the groundbreaking of a new addition to its current meat processing facility in New Franklin, Mo. The company is adding 4,800 square feet of manufacturing space to increase its snack stick processing capacity.

The $2 million project — partly funded by a grant through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture program from the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority — is expected to be completed by July 1.

“This expansion is the next step to build our capacity and continue to...

Subway® is Setting You Up on The Perfect "Eat Cute" with a BOGO Footlong Deal for Valentine's Day

Subway® celebrates the season of love with a sweet deal for all footlong lovers to share with their Valentines.

Starting February 10 for a limited time, fans can use promo code FLBOGO on Subway.com or the Subway app to order their most beloved footlong and get another footlong free.* Whether planning a Galentine's Day, friendly hangout or a night with a special someone, Subway is making your next meal an "Eat Cute" with freshly made...

Meat Production in Germany Rises for the First Time Since 2016 

Germany's meat production increased by 1.4% y-o-y in 2024, totaling 6.9 million metric tons, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This marks the first rise in production since 2016.  

Pork production recorded the greatest proportional increase, rising by 1.9% to 44.6 million tons, although still 24.9% below the 2016 peak. Production was also up in terms of the number of pigs slaughtered, by 1.2%, including a 1.6% rise in domestic origin slaughtered. The number of imported pigs slaughtered in German farms, on the other hand...

Delicious Deal Alert! Domino's® Launches Any Crust, Any Toppings for $9.99 Each

Domino's Pizza Inc. is giving customers more of want they want: the most delicious food at a great price. The largest pizza company in the world is offering customers any crust, with any toppings, for $9.99 each when they order online between Feb. 10-March 2.

Customers can choose from Hand Tossed, Handmade Pan, New York Style, Gluten Free or Crunchy Thin Crust as part of this deal.

"With Valentine's Day right around the corner, what's not to love about this offer?!"...

ALDI Announces Plans to Open a Record-Breaking 225+ New Stores in 2025

ALDI, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., today announced its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy. This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip.*

The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select...

U.S. Pork Exports Record-Large in 2024; Beef Export Value Trends Higher

Exports of U.S. pork eclipsed previous highs in both volume and value in 2024, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value climbed 5% from 2023 despite a slight decrease in volume as unit export values were record high. Lamb exports trended higher than a year ago in both volume and value.

December pork exports totaled 267,132 metric tons (mt), slightly below last year’s large volume, while value increased...

Sonny’s BBQ Names George McAllan as New Chief Growth Officer

Sonny’s BBQ, the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food and spreading kindness, announced today the addition of George McAllan, new Chief Growth Officer, to the Sonny’s leadership team. George brings decades of experience working in both the franchisor and franchisee roles.

“George’s extensive experience leading operations for some of America’s most-loved restaurant brands is an incredible asset to our team as we continue to expand our footprint and serve our famous BBQ to fans across the South and beyond,” said Jamie...

Panera Bread Announces Santhosh Kumar as Chief Information Officer

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced that Santhosh Kumar has joined the company as Chief Information Officer, effective February 12, reporting to Interim CEO Paul Carbone. Kumar will lead the company’s technology organization, responsible for the development, integration and deployment of technology across more than 2,200 Panera cafes. In his new role, Kumar will partner with the Panera Bread leadership team and franchisees to drive an exceptional team member and guest experience.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Santhosh to the Panera Bread leadership team...

Meat Institute Expands Legislative Affairs and Marketing Teams with New Hires

The Meat Institute today announced the expansion of its legislative affairs and marketing teams with the addition of two new employees. (photos available by email request to slittle@meatinstitute.org.)

Chris Chaffee joins the Meat Institute as Director of Legislative Affairs working with Vice President of Legislative Affairs Nathan Fretz advocating for the meat and poultry industry with members of congress and federal officials. Chaffee will also help manage the Meat Institute’s Political Action Committee, MeatPAC.

“Chris Chaffee has extensive experience in advocacy, as well as serving in various...

HORMEL® Pepperoni Is Spreading The Love This Valentine’s Day With  Heart-To-Heart Pizza Kits

The first come first serve kits feature the brand’s first-ever heart-shaped pepperonis and everything you need to satisfy a romantic’s taste for love

Roses are red, and pepperonis are too; this Valentine’s Day, the makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are bringing dinner to you. For the first time ever, the makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni are releasing limited edition Heart-to-Heart kits, the ultimate at-home Valentine’s Day pizza kit with every ingredient needed to celebrate accordingly, featuring...

US Meat Trade Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Tariff Implementation

On Thursday, President Trump reaffirmed his plan to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, set to take effect on February 1, 2025. He is also considering an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports.

The announcement has heightened uncertainty across many industries, including the livestock and meat sectors. The tariffs threaten to significantly disrupt live cattle shipments from Mexico and Canada, both key suppliers...

Compounding these challenges, a ban on feeder cattle imports from Mexico remains in effect following...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Pork Inventories Remain Low Despite Slight Increase

The USDA December Cold Storage report for 2024 frozen pork inventories indicated a 2.4% increase compared to November 2024.  However, this rise still left overall frozen pork stocks 6.7% below December 2023 levels, suggesting a tighter-than-expected pork supply.  Several factors likely contributed to this situation.

Firstly, pork production in 2024 was down 0.9% compared to 2023. Simultaneously, export demand remained robust throughout much of 2024, exceeding both year-over-year and ten-year average levels.

Data available through November 2024 shows weekly export totals consistently...

Meat Institute Provides President Trump with Strategies to Reduce Costly Regs. & Address Meat Prices

The Meat Institute today sent the following letter to President Donald Trump to provide strategies to reduce burdensome regulations and address meat prices for consumers.

The following is the text of the letter, dated January 27, 2025, and signed by Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your victory and inauguration! The Meat Institute and its members look forward to working with you and your administration to reduce regulatory burdens and unleash economic prosperity...

The Retail Rundown: Record Championship Game Viewership Expected to Drive Food Sales

As January comes to a close, grocers are actively preparing for the year's first major food-buying event, the pro-football championship game in New Orleans.

With a record-breaking audience expected to tune in to the big game on Sunday, February 9, retail and foodservice sectors anticipate a boost in sales as consumers indulge in game-day finger foods.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), an estimated 203.4 million U.S. adults will tune in with total spending projected to reach $18.6 billion...

7-Eleven, Inc. Offers Free Pizza to Football Fans and Pizza Lovers for the Big Game

The Big Game may be a celebration for some, but for most fans, it's a tough reminder that their team didn't make it to the grand finale of football season. This year, 7-Eleven is stepping up to help viewers eat their feelings by offering a FREE pizza for fans whose teams didn't make the final cut.

Throwing a pity party for your team's loss? Don't bother. 7-Eleven has fans covered by offering a FREE pizza with your...

The Retail Rundown: Arctic Blast Supports Egg Demand While Seafood Leads Ads

Seafood continues to lead the retail protein category for the fourth consecutive week, accounting for 29% of all featured advertisements. Beef comes in second with 25%, while pork and chicken are tied at 20% each.

Arctic air across much of the country and an unusual winter storm in the South have influenced product movement and demand this week. Expana reports that the frigid conditions have boosted egg demand as consumers stock up on essentials.

Wholesale egg prices have ascended to a fresh all-time high, with Expana’s Midwest large quotation at...

Wens Food Group Grows FY2024 Pork and Chicken Sales

In FY2024, Wens Food Group sold 30.2 million pork products (including live pigs and fresh pork), generating CNY 61.8 billion (approximately USD 8.5 billion) in revenue. The average sales price of live pigs for the year was CNY 16.7 per kilogram (approximately USD 2.3). Compared to 2023, the sales volume, revenue, and average sales price increased by 14.9%, 33.5%, and 12.9%, respectively. 

"The year-over-year increase in revenue from pork product sales in 2024 was primarily attributed to higher sales volumes and increased average...

Muyuan Group Sells 71.6 Million Pigs in FY24

Muyuan Group, a large scale Chinese livestock producer, has released its live hog sales data for December 2024, the fourth quarter, and the full fiscal year.

In December 2024, the company sold a total of 8.6 million pigs, including 8.2 million commercial pigs, 360,000 piglets, and 31,000 breeding pigs. These sales generated revenue of CNY 15.4 billion (approximately USD 2.1 billion). Among the total sales, 2.2 million pigs were sold to Muyuan’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Muyuan Meat Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries.

The average sales price of commercial...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Brian Johnson, Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Brian Johnson, vice president and corporate secretary.

“Throughout his 30-year career at Hormel Foods, Brian has been a trusted advisor to me, our executives and our Board of Directors,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “Brian has earned tremendous respect internally, externally, and with our Board of Directors, for his expertise, sound judgment, integrity and dedication. Brian and his wife...

Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land in the US Increases

From 2022 to 2023, there was a 1.58-million-acre increase in foreign-held agricultural land, according to Farm Bureau. In the US, 45.85 million acres of agricultural land were held by foreign investors in 2023, representing 3.61% of total privately held agricultural land, according to the USDA’s Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) report which shows an upward trend of land ownership by foreign entities across the nation. 

Since 2010, reports of foreign-held agricultural land have increased. This expansion is 21 million acres, or an area larger than South Carolina...

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Debuts First Location in New Jersey

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's), known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheese steaks, turkey subs and more, has announced its debut in New Jersey with opening of a new location in Princeton. The shop is slated to open in the Princeton Shopping Center, at 301 N Harrison Street Unit 470 on Jan. 21st, 2025. Capriotti's introduces local communities across the U.S. to the brand's 40-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house, and other one-of-a-kind sandwiches made using the freshest ingredients...

German Meat Imports Bans Continue Despite No New FMD Cases

Germany’s Agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir said the country had not detected any more cases since the initial outbreak on Friday. However, the source of the disease has not yet been found.  

The ministry issued a ban on the transport of all cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids, as well as their bodies and body parts and their manure from or to an animal-keeping operation in the state of Brandenburg, where the outbreak happened. But the ban is due to end on January 15 at 11:59 p.m...

The Retail Rundown: Weekly Protein Recap; CPI Update

Seafood leads protein advertising for a third consecutive week, accounting for nearly 31% of total ad space. Pork follows with nearly 23% and beef makes up 21%. Chicken represents 19% of the advertising share, while eggs capture less than 1%.

The seafood category shows mixed price trends year-over-year (YOY), with fresh cod fillets discounted to $8.37 per pound last week—down 53 cents from the previous year. Prices for catfish and tilapia remained steady YOY, each averaging about $6.60 discounted...

Panera Bread Announces New Leadership Additions to Marketing and Culinary Teams

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced two new leadership appointments in marketing and culinary with the addition of Robin Seward as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing, and Scott Uehlein as Vice President, Culinary. Both leaders joined Panera in early January and report to Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura.

Robin Seward joins Panera as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing. A seasoned leader and brand strategist, Seward oversees all strategic marketing planning, including consumer insights, product...

Markets Concerned by FMS as UK, Netherlands Limit German Imports

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have introduced restrictions on German meat products following the Foot and Mouth disease cases in water buffalo near Berlin.  

The UK has banned imports of live animals or meat products from “ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game),” milk and dairy products and other animal by-products “unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD,” the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated.  

"Around 200 pigs at a farm near where the outbreak was detected were slaughtered...

ILA and USMX Set to Resume Talks as Port Strike Threat Looms

Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume on January 7.   

ILA and the USMX reportedly met in private on January 5 as both sides try to reach an agreement over the primary automation issue that has been raised since talks last stalled in November, according to industry publication FreightWaves.

The contract between the ILA and USMX, which represents ports and ocean carriers, expires on January 15...