'Tremendous opportunity’ as China lifts five-year ban on US pigskin
30/10/2014
These products, along with a number of other US pork products, were restricted in China in 2009 due to concerns related to H1-N1 “swine flu” occurrences. H1-N1 is not transmissible to humans or animals via animal products.
While most US pork products regained market access in China shortly after, pig and sow skins remained in limbo.
According to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in Beijing and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the US Department of Agriculture, US pig and sow skin product exports may resume immediately under the existing animal by-products protocols.
“Reopening the Chinese market to pig and sow skins is a tremendous opportunity for US firms,” said Stephen Sothmann, president of the US Hide, Skin and Leather Association. “I want to thank the China Leather Industry Association and the US Department of Agriculture for their efforts to secure access to this important market.”
The US exported 5.3 million pieces of pig and sow skins in 2013 at a value of just over $57 million dollars.
In 2008, US exports to China of pig and sow skins peaked at nearly $23 million in value prior to the institution of import restrictions.
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