Udall Praises Re-opening of Chinese Pork Market to U.S.

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Mark Udall welcomed news that the United States and China have reached an agreement to re-open the Chinese market to American pork products.

"This is great news for Colorado's hog farmers and producers," Senator Mark Udall said. "Re-opening Chinese markets to Colorado's pork products means increased sales, and just as important, it will help support agriculture jobs here at home."

The decision was announced late Thursday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk. China banned U.S. pork imports in the wake of concerns about H1N1, but earlier this month agreed to reverse its decision after receiving assurance, backed by international groups, including the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization, that there is no risk to humans who consume properly prepared pork products.

In 2008, U.S. pork exports to China were valued at about $275 million, and the country accounted for about 6 percent of pork exports - making it our seventh-largest market.

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