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Pork producers voicing China trade concerns on Capitol Hill 

Some pork producers say escalating trade tensions with China could have lasting impacts on the industry.

North central Ohio pork producer Pat Hord says the country is one of the largest buyers of U.S. pork. 

“This current state makes it impossible for us to compete in that market,” he says. “It also makes it easier for our competitors. It gives them an opportunity to come in and supply that pork.”

West central Indiana pork producer Tanner Smith says opening new market opportunities is critical, but countries could be more hesitant to work with the U.S. due to tariff tensions.

“If we can’t get free trade between countries like China, they at least need to open up some new trade opportunities,” he says. “One example could be Vietnam. They would take all the off all product that China takes.”

Hord says the pork industry has come a long way and potential trade disruptions threaten the progress that’s been made.

“We think we’re exactly what the administration and President Trump would want,” he says. “We’ve moved from an import to an export focus with the trade balance, and yet we are the first ones to get the retaliatory tariffs placed on our products.”

As of Thursday, the U.S. tariff rate on Chinese goods had increased to 145%.

Hord and Smith visited Washington D.C. for the National Pork Producers Coucil Spring 2025 Legislative Action Conference.

AUDIO: Pat Hord, Ohio Pork Producers Council

AUDIO: Tanner Smith, Indiana Pork