What Trump Tariffs Mean for Food and Agriculture Trade

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Tariffs for Canada and China are in effect as of February 4, while the tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for one month following negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 members of her country’s national guard to the border to address drug trafficking... 

US Meat Trade Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Tariff Implementation

On Thursday, President Trump reaffirmed his plan to impose 25% tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, set to take effect on February 1, 2025. He is also considering an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports.

The announcement has heightened uncertainty across many industries, including the livestock and meat sectors. The tariffs threaten to significantly disrupt live cattle shipments from Mexico and Canada, both key suppliers...

Compounding these challenges, a ban on feeder cattle imports from Mexico remains in effect following...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Pork Inventories Remain Low Despite Slight Increase

The USDA December Cold Storage report for 2024 frozen pork inventories indicated a 2.4% increase compared to November 2024.  However, this rise still left overall frozen pork stocks 6.7% below December 2023 levels, suggesting a tighter-than-expected pork supply.  Several factors likely contributed to this situation.

Firstly, pork production in 2024 was down 0.9% compared to 2023. Simultaneously, export demand remained robust throughout much of 2024, exceeding both year-over-year and ten-year average levels.

Data available through November 2024 shows weekly export totals consistently...

Meat Institute Provides President Trump with Strategies to Reduce Costly Regs. & Address Meat Prices

The Meat Institute today sent the following letter to President Donald Trump to provide strategies to reduce burdensome regulations and address meat prices for consumers.

The following is the text of the letter, dated January 27, 2025, and signed by Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your victory and inauguration! The Meat Institute and its members look forward to working with you and your administration to reduce regulatory burdens and unleash economic prosperity...

The Retail Rundown: Record Championship Game Viewership Expected to Drive Food Sales

As January comes to a close, grocers are actively preparing for the year's first major food-buying event, the pro-football championship game in New Orleans.

With a record-breaking audience expected to tune in to the big game on Sunday, February 9, retail and foodservice sectors anticipate a boost in sales as consumers indulge in game-day finger foods.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), an estimated 203.4 million U.S. adults will tune in with total spending projected to reach $18.6 billion...

7-Eleven, Inc. Offers Free Pizza to Football Fans and Pizza Lovers for the Big Game

The Big Game may be a celebration for some, but for most fans, it's a tough reminder that their team didn't make it to the grand finale of football season. This year, 7-Eleven is stepping up to help viewers eat their feelings by offering a FREE pizza for fans whose teams didn't make the final cut.

Throwing a pity party for your team's loss? Don't bother. 7-Eleven has fans covered by offering a FREE pizza with your...

The Retail Rundown: Arctic Blast Supports Egg Demand While Seafood Leads Ads

Seafood continues to lead the retail protein category for the fourth consecutive week, accounting for 29% of all featured advertisements. Beef comes in second with 25%, while pork and chicken are tied at 20% each.

Arctic air across much of the country and an unusual winter storm in the South have influenced product movement and demand this week. Expana reports that the frigid conditions have boosted egg demand as consumers stock up on essentials.

Wholesale egg prices have ascended to a fresh all-time high, with Expana’s Midwest large quotation at...

Wens Food Group Grows FY2024 Pork and Chicken Sales

In FY2024, Wens Food Group sold 30.2 million pork products (including live pigs and fresh pork), generating CNY 61.8 billion (approximately USD 8.5 billion) in revenue. The average sales price of live pigs for the year was CNY 16.7 per kilogram (approximately USD 2.3). Compared to 2023, the sales volume, revenue, and average sales price increased by 14.9%, 33.5%, and 12.9%, respectively. 

"The year-over-year increase in revenue from pork product sales in 2024 was primarily attributed to higher sales volumes and increased average...

Muyuan Group Sells 71.6 Million Pigs in FY24

Muyuan Group, a large scale Chinese livestock producer, has released its live hog sales data for December 2024, the fourth quarter, and the full fiscal year.

In December 2024, the company sold a total of 8.6 million pigs, including 8.2 million commercial pigs, 360,000 piglets, and 31,000 breeding pigs. These sales generated revenue of CNY 15.4 billion (approximately USD 2.1 billion). Among the total sales, 2.2 million pigs were sold to Muyuan’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Muyuan Meat Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries.

The average sales price of commercial...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Brian Johnson, Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the upcoming retirement of Brian Johnson, vice president and corporate secretary.

“Throughout his 30-year career at Hormel Foods, Brian has been a trusted advisor to me, our executives and our Board of Directors,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods. “Brian has earned tremendous respect internally, externally, and with our Board of Directors, for his expertise, sound judgment, integrity and dedication. Brian and his wife...

Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land in the US Increases

From 2022 to 2023, there was a 1.58-million-acre increase in foreign-held agricultural land, according to Farm Bureau. In the US, 45.85 million acres of agricultural land were held by foreign investors in 2023, representing 3.61% of total privately held agricultural land, according to the USDA’s Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) report which shows an upward trend of land ownership by foreign entities across the nation. 

Since 2010, reports of foreign-held agricultural land have increased. This expansion is 21 million acres, or an area larger than South Carolina...

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Debuts First Location in New Jersey

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's), known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheese steaks, turkey subs and more, has announced its debut in New Jersey with opening of a new location in Princeton. The shop is slated to open in the Princeton Shopping Center, at 301 N Harrison Street Unit 470 on Jan. 21st, 2025. Capriotti's introduces local communities across the U.S. to the brand's 40-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house, and other one-of-a-kind sandwiches made using the freshest ingredients...

German Meat Imports Bans Continue Despite No New FMD Cases

Germany’s Agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir said the country had not detected any more cases since the initial outbreak on Friday. However, the source of the disease has not yet been found.  

The ministry issued a ban on the transport of all cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids, as well as their bodies and body parts and their manure from or to an animal-keeping operation in the state of Brandenburg, where the outbreak happened. But the ban is due to end on January 15 at 11:59 p.m...

The Retail Rundown: Weekly Protein Recap; CPI Update

Seafood leads protein advertising for a third consecutive week, accounting for nearly 31% of total ad space. Pork follows with nearly 23% and beef makes up 21%. Chicken represents 19% of the advertising share, while eggs capture less than 1%.

The seafood category shows mixed price trends year-over-year (YOY), with fresh cod fillets discounted to $8.37 per pound last week—down 53 cents from the previous year. Prices for catfish and tilapia remained steady YOY, each averaging about $6.60 discounted...

Panera Bread Announces New Leadership Additions to Marketing and Culinary Teams

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced two new leadership appointments in marketing and culinary with the addition of Robin Seward as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing, and Scott Uehlein as Vice President, Culinary. Both leaders joined Panera in early January and report to Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura.

Robin Seward joins Panera as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing. A seasoned leader and brand strategist, Seward oversees all strategic marketing planning, including consumer insights, product...

Markets Concerned by FMS as UK, Netherlands Limit German Imports

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have introduced restrictions on German meat products following the Foot and Mouth disease cases in water buffalo near Berlin.  

The UK has banned imports of live animals or meat products from “ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game),” milk and dairy products and other animal by-products “unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD,” the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated.  

"Around 200 pigs at a farm near where the outbreak was detected were slaughtered...

Pat Hafner Elevated to President of Outback Steakhouse

Bloomin' Brands has announced the promotion of Pat Hafner to Executive Vice President, President of Outback Steakhouse, the company’s flagship brand. In this new role, Hafner will oversee all operations and drive the continued growth and development of the Outback brand.

Hafner’s journey with Bloomin’ Brands began in the restaurant as a server at Outback Steakhouse. Over the years, he steadily advanced through a series of roles, including Manager, Managing Partner, Joint Venture Partner, and Regional Vice President.

In 2018, Hafner expanded his resume by joining Carrabba’s...

Firehouse Subs® Sets Sights on Brazil with Ambitious Expansion Plans

Today, the Firehouse Subs® brand announces its entry to Brazil building on its international expansion. The brand plans to open more than 500 restaurants in 10 years across the country. The first restaurant is expected to launch in 2025 and will mark Firehouse Subs debut in South America.

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for its premium sandwiches, made using a unique cooking method unlocking juicier flavors by steaming the meats and cheeses...

USMEF Explores Market Potential in Morocco During USDA Trade Mission

Risk mitigation and an underdeveloped supply-chain are among the market development challenges in this vital distribution hub for western Africa.

USMEF was among the 50 ag companies and organizations that recently visited Morocco during a trade mission hosted by USDA. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley led the delegation, which participated in business-to-business meetings, met with Moroccan government officials, studied transportation logistics and visited retail and foodservice outlets in Casablanca. USMEF Africa Representatives Matt Copeland and Monty Brown, and USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer... 

Einstein Bros. Bagels Celebrates National Bagel Day with Free Egg Sandwich

This National Bagel Day, everyone who's ready to give up a New Year's resolution that has them eating cardboard-tasting breakfast cereal can now embrace their cravings. Beginning January 15, Einstein Bros. Bagels Rewards members can 'give it up for Einstein Bros.' with a Free Egg Sandwich with purchase when ordering ahead in the app or online this month.

"Studies show that nearly half of New Year's resolutions are abandoned by the end of January," said Hector Briones, Chief Marketing Officer at Einstein Bros. Bagels. 

The Retail Rundown: Post-Holiday Slowdown Influences January Spending 

January typically marks a slowdown in consumer spending as households transition from the holiday season to their regular routines.

Early in the month, retailers experience a short-lived boost in sales, driven by replenishment efforts after the holiday food rush. As schools reopen and guests leave, families restock essentials for breakfast, lunch, and weeknight meals.

This restocking coincides with New Year’s resolutions, especially those focused on healthier eating. Consequently, shoppers gravitate toward the perimeter of the stores where fresh items, including produce, proteins, and dairy, are featured. Although retail...

Panera Brands Announces Leadership Change, Appoints Paul Carbone as Interim CEO

Panera Brands, one of the world’s largest fast-casual restaurant platforms and the parent company to Panera Bread and Caribou Coffee, has announced a change in leadership.

José Alberto Dueñas, who served as CEO of Panera Bread for just over a year and a half, is stepping down from his role.

During his tenure, Dueñas earned praise from Board Chair Patrick Grismer for his efforts in revitalizing the company’s menu, improving business margins, and strengthening organizational structure. Grismer noted that Dueñas successfully positioned the...

Vertical Cold Storage Opens 10th Facility in Kansas City

Vertical Cold Storage, in collaboration with Platform Ventures, a real estate investment firm, has officially launched its 10th facility, a state-of-the-art multi-distribution center in Kansas City.

The facility is strategically located at 14820 Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO, next to the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) intermodal terminal and within 30 miles of key BNSF, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern rail terminals.

Spanning over 311,000 square feet, the new center is expected to create more than 100 full-time jobs. Equipped with...

ILA and USMX Set to Resume Talks as Port Strike Threat Looms

Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume on January 7.   

ILA and the USMX reportedly met in private on January 5 as both sides try to reach an agreement over the primary automation issue that has been raised since talks last stalled in November, according to industry publication FreightWaves.

The contract between the ILA and USMX, which represents ports and ocean carriers, expires on January 15...

Olymel Unveils New Brand Image

Canadian poultry and pork company Olymel announced a major rebranding, marking another milestone in the company's evolution.

Transformation objective

The main objective is to highlight the quality of Olymel products, while making the brand more visible, contemporary and attractive.

"In changing our brand image, we wanted to further highlight the quality of our products, already recognized internationally for their excellence. It was essential that this new corporate image reflects both our commitment to quality and the

new direction we've taken, while respecting the essence of what makes us who we are...

Smithfield Foods Files Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the "Company"), an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced that it has publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to sell shares of its common stock in an underwritten initial public offering. The Company's existing shareholder, identified in the registration statement, is also expected to sell shares of the Company's common stock in the proposed offering. The timing, the number of...

For the Ultimate in Fine Dining on Valentine's Day, Reserve Your Table at White Castle

You can't put a price on love except, perhaps, when it comes to dining out.

This Valentine's Day, White Castle is here to remind people that celebrating romance doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Why drop a fortune on a typical dinner when you can enjoy all the flavorful, festive and fun vibes at White Castle — without breaking the bank?
White Castle, home of the iconic Original Slider, is once again hosting...

Chipotle X Strava Partnership Goes Global: Introducing "The City Challenge"

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced that its partnership with Strava, the app for active people with more than 135 million users in more than 190 countries, is back and bigger than ever in 2025. Chipotle is launching its first-ever international Strava segment challenge for participants to compete to win free Lifestyle Bowls for a year, plus free Chipotle for their city.2 New in 2025, the initiative extends beyond the U.S., connecting and motivating Chipotle's running community across 25... 

USMEF: Training Program Aims to Grow U.S. Beef and Pork’s Presence in Indonesia

The ASEAN American Epicurean Table program delivers customized training and promotional programs for targeted importers and their customers.

A new promotional program is expanding in Indonesia that helps importer partners grow their businesses by training their customers how to be more profitable with U.S. beef and pork. ASEAN American Epicurean Table (AAET) was rolled out recently through eight day-long training sessions in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali over several weeks. Nearly 250 participants included representatives from three targeted importers and their customers, who represented...

Over 10,000 Pounds of Meat Products Recalled for Misbranding and Lack of Inspection 

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have announced two recalls for meat items since Friday, December 20.

First, Ralph's Packing Company recalled 3,132 pounds of ready to eat pork and beef bologna due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The establishment notified FSIS that the labels applied to the product did not declare a known allergen it may contain, milk.   

Those items have been produced since September 2022 and may be frozen. The recall includes...

Potential Impact of a Government Shutdown on USDA Reports

With a potential government shutdown looming, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on livestock and meat markets, along with numerous other reports and statistics, may become unavailable until further notice.

As Congress races to reach an agreement before the midnight deadline to avoid a shutdown, industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining access to unbiased market intelligence to operate effectively. 

In the event of a shutdown, USDA food inspectors and federal animal care workers will remain on duty, but most other federal employees will not be at work...

ANALYSIS: Proposition 12 Effect on Reporting Volumes for Pork

The USDA Pork Specialty Report, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), focuses on niche and specialty pork products, offering detailed insights into pricing, volume, and market trends for categories not typically covered in broader pork market reports. These categories include specialty programs such as open pen gestation, crate-free, antibiotic-free, no-antibiotics-ever, pre-priced and labeled cuts, color-graded, breed-specific, quality-graded, and organic products.

Notably, the report began incorporating Proposition 12-compliant material in 2023...

The Retail Rundown: Robust Retail Spending This Holiday Season

Retail spending has been robust this year, with recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicating strong retail sales as the holiday season kicked off in November.

According to the Census Bureau, overall retail sales in November rose 0.7 percent month-over-month (MOM) and increased 3.8 percent year-over-year (YOY) In comparison, October saw gains of 0.5 percent MOM and 2.9 percent YOY.

“Job and wage gains, modest inflation and a heathy balance sheet have led to solid holiday spending," said National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz...

Advancing Pork Through Nutrition Science and Endorsement

Key Highlights from 2024:

• Research Investments: 13 new studies conducted across top academic institutions, exploring topics like pork’s role in childhood nutrition, healthy aging and cognitive health.
• Expanding Reach: Nutrition communications across social and online media had more than 300 million potential views across health professionals and consumers, and participation in 76 high-impact events attended by over 16 thousand individuals.
• Shaping Perceptions: Campaigns and events improved perceptions of pork among healthcare professionals, with attendees of our Today’s Dietitian event reporting a 20-point increase in the likelihood of recommending...

Culinary Training Programs for U.S. Beef and Pork Continue at Caribbean Event

USMEF led a team of 16 culinary school instructors and training “ambassadors” from the Caribbean region to Miami last month to participate in training sessions and attend the Taste of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). Taste of the Caribbean, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) annual culinary showcase of top young chefs, provides a forum for food and beverage professionals to gather practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase products, and strengthen supplier relationships while meeting new vendors...

Workers at Spanish Pork Slaughterhouse Litera Meat on Strike

Employees at Litera Meat, one of Europe’s largest slaughterhouses, have continued to strike since December 10 after negotiations between the company and employees failed.

Litera Meat started operations in 2019, in Huesca, Spain, and has a maximum daily processing capacity of 32,000 hogs, and around 1,600 employees, the firm said.

It is also the largest processing facility owned by 

the Italian company Pini Group and can process more carcasses than all other Pini facilities across Italy and Hungary combined, according to company data.   

CNT worker’s union...

ANALYSIS: China’s Nov 2024 Meat Imports Break 15-Month Y-o-Y Decline Streak to 580,619 mt

China’s total meat imports, including variety meats rebounded to 580,619 metric tonnes (mt) in November 2024, ending a 15-month year-over-year decline streak, according to the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. 

Imports were higher by 8.6% or 23,619 mt month-on-month (m-o-m) ahead of the winter peak season.  

Meat consumption typically increases ahead of the cooler season, with a notable rise in demand for...

The Retail Rundown: Seasonal Trends for Ribs vs. Hams

With Christmas just two weeks away, this week’s retail rundown takes a closer look at two traditional holiday centerpieces: rib roasts and hams. These festive favorites have followed differing paths in the wholesale markets this year, potentially influencing their retail performance in the lead-up to the year-end celebrations.

The wholesale rib market began its seasonal ascent in the third quarter, gaining traction in early August. From August 1 through December 10, prices surged by 42 percent, far surpassing the 5-year average increase of 17 percent for the same period...

Zatarain's® Smoked Sausage Introduces New Andouille Flavor

Zatarain's, the brand that has been bringing the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to kitchens across America for more than 130 years, is excited to announce the launch of its reformulated Andouille Smoked Sausage. A bold new twist on a fan-favorite, the new Andouille recipe provides a perfect balance of heat and savory spices, giving families and food lovers even more of the robust and flavorful experience that has made Zatarain's a staple in homes for generations.

"Our customers love the smoky taste of our original sausage...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 18 - Back from the "World's Leading Livestock Farming Trade Fair"

Simon and special guest Fei Thompson, from the Expana EMEA newsroom, give a recap of industry market sentiment gathered from key agribusiness companies and animal nutrition companies met during the recent EuroTier trade show in Hannover, Germany that took place in mid-November.

The Retail Rundown: Diving into December Deals

With the year-end holidays soon approaching, shoppers are eagerly diving into December deals. Retailers aim to capitalize on the season's spending surge with enticing offers on everything from festive foods to decadent desserts, decor, and other holiday items. 

Consumer spending on winter holidays is projected to hit a record-breaking $902 per person this year, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This figure marks a $25 increase from 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by $16...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Pork Products Imported From Ecuador

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat pork mortadella products that may have been illegally imported from Ecuador, a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate the origins of this product, and there may be additional products affected.

The following products subject to the public health alert are [view labels]:

• 1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing “Mortadela ESPECIAL BOLOGNIA...

ASEAN Customers Study U.S. Pork and Beef in Trend-Setting Korea

To expand the range of U.S. pork and beef cuts in the ASEAN, USMEF led retail and foodservice teams to Korea to study how U.S. red meat is utilized.

Characterized by the growth of single-person households and growing demand for quality and convenience, the Korean food industry has invested heavily in new product development and has become an innovator in its uses of U.S. pork and beef. USMEF recently brought teams of retail and foodservice customers from the ASEAN region to Korea to study new products...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Features in Full Display

In the final stretch to Thanksgiving, turkey ads dominate protein advertisements this week with 29 percent, up from 11.8 percent the week prior and surpassing pork's 26.4 percent. Seafood ads come in at 20.2 percent, followed by beef at 16.4 percent. Chicken takes 6 percent, while eggs still have less than one percent of retail buying opportunities.

Fresh whole turkeys account for half of all turkey promotions, with frozen turkeys making up 40.5 percent. While turkeys take center stage, the holiday season also lifts demand for cold-weather comfort foods and convenient...

Brazil Opens New Markets in China and Increases Number of Authorised Meatpacking Plants

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil on 20 November agreements were signed on the opening of five new markets and certifying of 38 new meatpacking plants.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) finalized four phytosanitary protocols in collaboration with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC). These agreements enable exports of fresh grapes, sesame, sorghum, and fish-derived products such as fish meal and oil for animal feed to China. Earlier in June, China approved Brazilian pecans for import...