Share via Email

During June, authorities in China mandated routine sampling of imported meat and seafood products to screen for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.  The intensity in sampling increased during late November following cases of COVID-19 among meat handlers in the ports of Qingdao and Tianjin.

Delays in the release of imported products subject to obligatory testing and the risk of condemnation have resulted in cancellation of orders by concerned brokers.  Fear of resurgence in COVID-19 acquired from meat and seafood has resulted in closure of the Xinfadi market in Beijing, regarded as a source of community infection in June and July.  According to Reuters, this market handles 18,000 tons of vegetables, 20,000 tons of fruit and 15,000 tons of seafood daily.

Required inspections at the port of arrival in China and intensified disinfection of containers and contact surfaces in markets have added to the cost of imported beef. Negative publicity directed at imported meat and seafood has dampened demand resulting in cancellation of orders for shipments of beef from Australia, Brazil and the U.S.

There is speculation that the program of increased surveillance for COVID-19 virus on imported products is intended as an indirect protectionist measure. This may coincide with the increase in supply of domestic pork following rebuilding of herds affected by African swine fever in 1919 and early 2020.