According to data posted in the February 20th edition of the USAPEEC MondayLine China placed restrictions on U.S exports in 2022. Following outbreaks of HPAI, 37 states with 444 out of 577 approved production and cold storage facilities, were ineligible to export to China over various periods in 2022. This has resulted in a progressive reduction in the volume of feet exported. During 2022, the U. S. exported 240,301 metric tons of feet compared to 284,649 metric tons in 2021, representing a 15.6 percent reduction. As cases of HPAI in turkey and egg-production flocks increased, the regional restraints on exports of feet during the second half of 2022 intensified. The decline during July through December 2022 resulted in a reduction in volume of 32.1 percent to 106,551 metric tons, compared to the corresponding months of 202. During 2022, the U. S. supplied 36.1 percent of feet imported by China followed by Brazil at 25 percent and Russia, 13 percent as major exporters placing the annual market at 665,000 metric tons.
Before the 2020 Trade Agreement with China, feet were shipped to Hong Kong with most of the volume transshipped to the mainland. With resumption of trade, the volume of feet shipped directly to China increased sharply.
In the event that HPAI impacts the broiler industry in Brazil, China may be forced to relax import regulations. There is no justification for discriminating against entire states in the U.S. as a result of HPAI, given that the infection is endemic in China. Imposition of wide restrictions is contrary to the policy of regionalization applied by the World Organization of Animal Health.