Retailers Respond to Tariff Delay Ahead of Holiday Season

The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French after the Trump administration announced it would delay new tariffs on certain consumer products until December 15. Tariffs on other products are scheduled to take effect September 1.

“While we are still reviewing the details, we are pleased the administration is delaying some tariffs ahead of the holiday season and acknowledging the impact on American consumers. Still, uncertainty for U.S. businesses continues, and tariffs taking effect September 1 will result in higher costs for American families and slow the U.S. economy. During this delay period, we urge the administration to...

Retail Imports Remain at Near-Record Levels Despite Tariffs

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to continue at near-record levels this month and the remainder of the year despite a new round of tariffs on goods from China, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Even with virtually everything American imports from China soon to be subject to tariffs, it isn’t quick or easy for retailers to change their supply chains,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “That means American families are ultimately going to pay more for goods they can’t do without. And even if sourcing eventually shifts away from China, it will simply come from other countries. It’s time to stop punishing American businesses, workers and families for China’s wrongdoing.”

President Trump announced last week that new 10 percent tariffs on an additional $300 billon in Chinese goods will take effect on September 1. Coupled with 25 percent tariffs imposed on...

Strong Finish to First Half for U.S. Pork, Beef Exports

U.S. pork and beef exports were above year-ago levels in both volume and value in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Led by a rebound in Mexico and China, pork export value was the highest in 14 months, while strong results in South Korea and Taiwan pushed beef export value to the fourth-highest total on record.

June pork exports posted double-digit gains in both volume and value, reaching 212,887 metric tons (mt), up 11% year-over-year, valued at $569.2 million (up 12%). For the first half of 2019, pork exports remained 2% below last year in volume (1.25 million mt) and were down 6% in value to $3.14 billion.

Pork export value averaged $56.99 per head slaughtered in June, up 7% from a year ago and the highest monthly average since April 2018. First-half export value averaged $50.05 per head, down...

Industry Reacts to US Beef Access to the EU 

On Friday, the United States and European Union signed a breakthrough agreement to allow access of US beef into the EU. The United States will be able to nearly triple its annual duty-free exports of beef to the EU over the next seven years. American ranchers will be guaranteed a larger share of Europe's beef market, with annual exports expected to increase from $150 million to $420 million once the agreement is fully implemented.

The North American Meat Institute is applauding the Trump Administration's successful efforts to expand access for US beef. Meat Institute President and CEO, Julia Ann Potts, said, “We again thank the Administration for prioritizing the expansion of markets for US meat products. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to further reduce barriers impeding, and improve access for, US meat and...

United States and European Union Sign Breakthrough Agreement on U.S. Beef Access to EU

The United States will be able to nearly triple its annual duty-free exports of beef to the European Union (EU) over the next seven years under a new agreement signed today at the White House.

American ranchers will be guaranteed a bigger share of Europe’s beef market, with annual duty-free exports expected to grow from $150 million to $420 million when the agreement is fully implemented.

“American ranchers produce the best beef in the world. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, this new agreement ensures that American ranchers can sell more...

Retailers Respond to Administration’s Latest Tariff Escalation

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French in response to the Trump administration’s plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on $300 billion worth of goods imported from China beginning September 1.

“As we’ve said repeatedly, we support the administration’s goal of restructuring the U.S.-China trade relationship. But we are disappointed the administration is doubling-down on a flawed tariff strategy that is already slowing U.S. economic growth, creating uncertainty and discouraging investment. These additional tariffs will only threaten U.S. jobs and raise costs for American families on everyday goods.

“The tariffs imposed over the past year haven’t worked, and there’s no evidence another tax increase on American businesses and consumers will...

Pork Quarterly Q3 2019: Disease and Trade Issues are Jointly Changing the Global Market

Rising disease pressures are challenging the global market. Specifically, African swine fever (ASF) continues to threaten the global pork market, not only by causing a production drop in Asian countries, but also adding uncertainty to trade and production prospects in other parts of the world. While China’s pork prices have started to move higher, production responses in the rest of the world appear cautious. Other factors, including disease management and weather, are hindering production in Europe and Brazil. The resumption of Sino-US trade negotiations is a positive development, implying a chance for China to review tariffs on US pork imports.

China: Pig Herd Losses Growing

ASF continues to spread in China, with new cases mainly reported in South China. Live hog prices are finally...

Retailers Urge Congress to Approve USMCA

The National Retail Federation today urged Congress to take action after its annual August recess to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which would modernize trade between the three countries and replace the landmark North American Free Trade Agreement.

“This agreement provides significant updates to the North American Free Trade Agreement, which has benefitted U.S. retailers, workers and consumers for the past two decades,” NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said in a letter sent to Congress. “Ratifying USMCA is key to ensuring continued growth in the North American market.”

Since NAFTA took effect 25 years ago, e-commerce has changed how businesses operate and how consumers purchase goods, but the agreement still lacks provisions relating to...

USDA Announces Details of Support Package for Farmers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced further details of the $16 billion package aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals.

In May, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. The Market Facilitation Program (MFP), Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP), and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers.

“China and other nations have not played by the rules for a long time, and President Trump is the first President to stand up to them and send a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate unfair trade practices,” Secretary Perdue said. “The details we announced today ensure farmers will not...

USDA Awards Agricultural Trade Promotion Funding

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100 million to 48 organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help U.S. farmers and ranchers identify and access new export markets.

In May, President Trump authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion in programs to support farmers, which is in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and other trade disruptions. ATP is one of three programs that will assist agricultural producers while President Trump works to address long-standing market access barriers.

“China and other nations haven’t played by the rules for a long time and President Trump is standing up to them, sending a clear message that the United States will no longer tolerate...

U.S. Pork Industry Battling Challenges, NPPC President Tells Capitol Hill

The U.S. pork industry faces numerous challenges both at home and abroad that, if not addressed, will pose significant harm to our farms, rural communities and ultimately consumers, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, N.C., testified this morning before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.

“One of the most damaging threats to the U.S. pork industry has been the punitive, retaliatory trade tariffs that China and other countries have imposed,” Herring told the subcommittee.

China is the largest consumer and importer of pork in the world, but U.S. hog farmers have been sidelined, Herring told the subcommittee, due to China’s...

Urner Barry Rolls Out Updated Foreign Trade Data Platform

New Site to Include Red Meat Import/Export Stats for the First Time Ever

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is pleased to announce the launch of a new and improved Foreign Trade Data service, complete with newly added Customs and Census data for pork, beef, lamb and veal.

Foreign Trade Data has long provided detailed information on each and every frozen, waterborne shipment of seafood entering the United States, with records being updated regularly with the most recent data available. Now, U.S. Customs export data has also been newly added for seafood. Subscribers can now track Customs exports of crab and other species.

And for the first time ever, Foreign Trade Data subscribers will have access to the latest intelligence surrounding red meat imports and exports. Users can...

Retailers Still Stocking Up Ahead of Possible Tariffs, but More Slowly

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports will remain at high levels this summer but are expected to grow only modestly compared with last year’s rush to bring merchandise into the country ahead of scheduled tariff increases, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers still want to protect their customers against potential price increases that would come with any additional tariffs, but with the latest proposed tariffs on hold for now..."

Pork and Beef Exports Rebound in May; Volume and Value Reach 2019 Highs

May exports of U.S. pork and beef were steady with last year’s strong volumes and increased year-over-year in value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports totaled 217,999 metric tons (mt) in May, steady with last year’s pace, while value increased 1% to $567.8 million – the highest monthly value total since April 2018. For January through May, pork exports were still 4% below last year in volume...

NCBA, State Affiliates Urge Congress to Ratify USMCA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today sent a letter signed by 39 of its state affiliates to U.S. Senate and House leaders urging them to support the swift ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is NCBA’s latest salvo in the battle to build support for USMCA ratification, coming less than two weeks after the group launched a new media campaign to push the accord...

Brazil Once Again Becomes the World’s Largest Beef Exporter

In 2018, Brazil was the world’s largest exporter of beef, providing close to 20 percent of total global beef exports, outpacing India, the second-largest exporter, by 527,000 metric tons carcass weight equivalent (CWE). Moreover, USDA projects that Brazil will continue its export growth trajectory for the next decade, reaching 2.9 million metric tons, or 23 percent of the world’s total beef exports, by 2028.

Brazil has the world’s second-largest cattle herd—232 million head—and its production is largely based on grass. Increased beef demand worldwide has stimulated increased production and productivity gains. In 2018, Brazil reached its highest level of beef production at 9.9 million metric tons. According to a September 2018 report by USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), programs...

REPORTER: Exports Are Vital to U.S. Pork Industry

Without growth in export sales in recent years, the U.S. pork industry would have had far less room for expansion. Maintaining the customer base we have now and stretching international sales even further are vital to any future growth for the U.S. pork industry...

Poultry Quarterly Q3 2019: Improved but Fragile Market Conditions

Global poultry has experienced gradually improving market conditions in 1H 2019, and this trend is expected to remain over the coming months.

The main driver for the market improvement has been a more balanced supply in key trading markets like Brazil Thailand, the US and the EU. The gradual improvement has come despite global trade volumes being disappointing due to ongoing trade issues. China is the best performing poultry industry, with exceptionally high poultry prices due to the shift from pork to poultry as a result of the worsening situation with African Swine Fever (ASF) and very low breeding stock levels, which has pushed PS and DOC prices up to historically high levels.

The global poultry market has been on a rollercoaster ride in the past year, with a large oversupply in 2H 2018 and early 2019 greatly affecting prices for globally-traded poultry products...

Retailers Back Bill Requiring Congressional Review of Tariff Hikes

The National Retail Federation welcomed legislation introduced today that would strengthen congressional authority over tariff increases like those imposed by the Trump administration during the past year.

“We agree with the need to deliver fair and balanced trade deals, but taxing Americans isn’t the answer — especially without a single vote from Congress,” NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said. “At a time when American businesses and consumers are facing unprecedented tariffs imposed unilaterally, it’s time to reexamine the appropriate balance on trade policy between Congress and the executive branch. This legislation represents an important step forward. We urge members of both parties to join this effort and protect hardworking Americans from...