China has renewed more than 400 previously expired export licenses for U.S. beef facilities, according to update records on the Chinese customs website. The regulatory breakthrough follows an anticipated high-stakes summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Over the past year, more than 400 U.S. beef plants had lost their eligibility to export to the Chinese market. This occurred after Beijing's initial permissions - granted between March 2020 and April 2021 - lapsed without the customary regulatory renewal. The affected facilities accounted for roughly 65% of the once-registered U.S. beef production footprint.
While Reuters reported that the long-awaited clearances had been approved as the U.S. and Chinese leaders met, Chinese customs briefly appeared to halt the export clearances hours later before updating the system.
The White House had confirmed in recent weeks that agricultural trade licensing would be a core priority at the summit. The resolution marks a major win for American beef producers, even as U.S. exports have experienced recent declines driven by tight domestic supplies and high prices.
Official USMEF statement
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) confirmed that China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has officially granted a five-year registration extension to 425 overdue U.S. beef establishments within China’s Food Import Food Establishment (CIFER) system.
Furthermore, 77 completely new U.S. beef establishment registrations have been added to the CIFER system, effective May 15, 2026, valid for a five-year term.
According to industry data, 38 beef establishments remain suspended. Of those suspended facilities, 25 that had expired are now officially renewed but remain ineligible for actual export until their suspensions are lifted.
Industry reaction
"This is a critical first step toward fully restoring access for U.S. beef in China," said federation spokesman Joe Schuele.
In an official statement, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom expressed strong appreciation for the diplomatic efforts:
"USMEF greatly appreciates U.S. beef access being prioritized at the summit meeting between President Trump and President Xi. Renewal of U.S. beef establishment registrations is a critical step forward for U.S. beef exports to China. We await more details and a further readout from USTR’s engagements with China, and note with appreciation Ambassador Greer’s optimism for U.S. agricultural trade with China."
