China grants regional authorization to France to import poultry

Pork products exported to China, including stomachs and intestines, are little consumed in Europe, but are very popular in China. “Two market access agreements, signed with the Chinese customs administration, make it possible to open the Chinese market to new French products: pork offal, thanks to a modification of the protocol for pork exports, as well as processed protein pork, ” the French Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. This measure could boost French pork exports by 10%.

Soybean meal reduction

Last year, China’s Ministry of Agriculture issued a three-year action plan to reduce the use of soybean meal in animal feed in a bid to reduce its heavy reliance on soybean imports. It also approved the import of French dairy products for animal feed last year.

Key Agreements

1. Pork imports: China will now allow the import of porcine protein feed and pork by-products from France, provided they meet the necessary requirements. This move is expected to boost French pork exports by approximately 10%.
2. Regionalization: Instead of imposing nationwide bans, China has agreed to limit poultry embargoes to specific regions where avian influenza outbreaks occur. France becomes the second country, after the United States in 2020, to receive regionalization status for avian influenza outbreaks.
3. Market access: Two market access agreements were signed with China’s customs administration. These agreements open the Chinese market to new French products, including pork by-products and transformed pork protein.

Implications

• Economic impact: The authorization is a positive step for France’s poultry industry, which heavily relies on exports. China is a major market, receiving 55% of French poultry exports.
• Biosecurity measures: Both countries will continue to collaborate on modifying protocols to ensure safe poultry trade while minimizing disease risks. Strengthened biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent further outbreaks.

Conclusion

China’s decision to grant regional authorization to France demonstrates a pragmatic approach to managing avian influenza risks. By allowing targeted imports and regionalization, both countries aim to balance economic interests with biosecurity concerns. As the poultry industry adapts to these changes, close monitoring and cooperation remain essential to safeguarding global poultry trade.