"We are disappointed that China's retaliation announced today includes additional tariffs on U.S. beef, especially as the market for U.S. beef just recently reopened," said TSCRA President Bobby McKnight. "U.S. beef is clearly in demand by Chinese consumers and any additional tariffs are most harmful to their own consumers."

"We are working closely with federal trade officials in hopes of bringing a swift end to increased tariffs on U.S. beef imposed by China," McKnight said.

Kent Bacus, Director of International Trade and Market Access for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, issued the following statement Wednesday regarding the announcement that China has included American-produced beef on a list of proposed retaliatory tariffs:

"It is unsettling to see American-produced beef listed as a target for retaliation. Sadly, we are not surprised, as this is an inevitable outcome of any trade war. This is a battle between two governments, and the unfortunate casualties will be America’s cattlemen and women and our consumers in China," Bacus said. "The Trump Administration has until the end of May to resolve this issue. We believe in trade enforcement, but endless retaliation is not a good path forward for either side." Source: NCBA

Statement from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom

U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Helstrom released the following statement on Wednesday. "China is a promising market for U.S. beef, and, since the June 2017 reopening, the U.S. industry has made an exceptional effort to provide customers with high-quality beef at an affordable price. This is not an easy task, due to our 13-year absence from the market and China’s beef import requirements.

"Over the past nine months, interest in U.S. beef has steadily gained momentum in China and our customer base has grown. But if an additional import tariff is imposed on U.S. beef, these constructive business relationships, and opportunities for further growth, will be put at risk. USMEF is hopeful that this trade dispute can be resolved without China introducing additional obstacles for U.S. beef.

"In the second half of 2017, following the market reopening, U.S. beef exports to China totaled 3,020 metric tons valued at $31 million. In January 2018, exports reached the highest monthly volume to date at 819 metric tons, valued at $7.5 million."

Additional information related to this release: USDA GAIN Report.

Source: USMEF