Meat Institute Submits 2025 Trade Report Recommendations: Key Focus on Tariffs and Market Access

The Meat Institute has formally submitted its recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, urging a bold trade agenda that eliminates barriers and enhances the competitiveness of the U.S. meat and poultry industry.

Julie Anna Potts, the Meat Institute’s president and CEO, emphasized that U.S. trade policy directly impacts the resilience and global growth of the meat sector.

However, this potential is stifled by “unjustified sanitary barriers, prohibitive tariffs, and onerous export facility requirements.”

The key issue highlighted is China’s failure to uphold its commitments under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement. The Meat Institute pointed out that retaliatory tariffs still burden U.S. meat exports to China and called for their removal.

Additionally, the Meat Institute stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent foreign animal diseases, safeguarding trade continuity. They also advocate for greater beef access to Australia, an increasingly important market for U.S. exports.

Potts noted that KORUS (the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement) has been a key driver for meat exports to Korea, enabling tariff relief and science-based trade measures. The Meat Institute seeks continued enforcement and improvements to the agreement to enhance market share.

Taiwan also presents an opportunity, with U.S. beef and pork exports pushing for increased access. However, rising establishment registration requirements threaten to limit U.S. market entry.

The report also discusses beef imports from Canada and Mexico, emphasizing their role in alleviating domestic supply chain pressures.

The association concluded by emphasizing the need for market diversification and comprehensive trade agreements to ensure a level playing field for U.S. exports, setting clear rules and standards across global markets.

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