(Nashville) Cattle industry leaders and producers gathered in Nashville for the recent 2026 Cattle Industry Convention. While attendees talked through many issues, a top-of-mind challenge for the industry is the continued lockout of U.S. beef from the Chinese market. Erin Borror, vice president of economic analysis for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, said there has been almost no progress on the issue. Even with low cattle numbers, access to China is vital for maintaining the value across the whole carcass.
Jay Theiler (Tyler), chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss the issue with the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He said the government is fully engaged on the issue and understands the importance to U.S. producers.
China continues to refuse to renew registrations for U.S. beef production and cold storage facilities. Most U.S. beef production has been locked out of China since March.
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Audio provided by NAFB News Service
Audio with Erin Borror, vice president of economic analysis for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Jay Theiler (Tyler), chair of the USMEF
