July 8, 2009

US poultry exports to China have been effectively blocked for the rest of 2009, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council president Jim Sumner said Tuesday (Jul 7) during a visit to China.

Sumner said the Chinese Ministry of Commerce maintained that it was not blocking imports during talks in Beijing.

But China had issued 70-percent fewer automatic registration forms (ARF) for poultry imports, and none for US shipments, effectively blocking trade, said Sumner. The ARF are issued twice yearly.

Sumner believed the action was taken to block US exports for the duration of 2009. He stated that while he understands the reasons behind the action, he strongly disagrees with the outcome.

He said he is optimistic on finding an acceptable solution that will allow for trade to continue.

Sumner said taking the case to the World Trade Organisation is a possibility but it would take 18 months, which is too long.