Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 10/31/14


U.S. pig and sow skin products may once again be exported directly to China, he U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA) said in a news release.

China barred these products among other U.S. pork products in 2009 due to H1N1 concerns. Most U.S. pork products regained market access in China shortly after the restrictions were instituted, but U.S. pig and sow skins did not.

According to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) in Beijing and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. 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 U.S. firms,” USHSLA President Stephen Sothmann said in the release.

The U.S. exported 5.3 million pieces of pig and sow skins in 2013 at a value of just over $57 million dollars. China is the largest leather producing country in the world and represents a major opportunity to increase the value of U.S. exports of these products. In 2008, U.S. 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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