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Zero-Tariff Access To China ‘Would Unleash Tremendous Benefits’ For U.S. Pork, Agriculture

Zero-Tariff Access To China ‘Would Unleash Tremendous Benefits’ For U.S. Pork, Agriculture
The worst kept secret in the world is that China needs pork. The protein is a staple of the Chinese diet and a major element of the country’s consumer price index. However, more than half of the country’s swine herd has been lost as a result of African swine fever, a disease affecting only pigs with no human health or food safety risks. China represents an unparalleled opportunity for U.S. pork producers to provide the safest, highest quality and most affordable pork in the world. If U.S. pork gained unrestricted access to China, it would be an economic boon for American agriculture and the country, HOTH reports.
 
According to an analysis by Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes, securing zero-tariff access to China would reduce the overall trade deficit with China by nearly six percent, generate 184,000 new U.S. jobs and produce $24.5 billion in sales, all in the next decade. NPPC has launched a digital campaign to spotlight the importance of opening the Chinese market to U.S. pork as trade negotiations continue.
 
The United States is the lowest-cost producer of pork in the world, but with 72 percent tariffs into China, U.S. pork producers are not nearly as competitive as Europe, Brazil, Canada and other nations. Zero-tariff access to China would yield tremendous benefits.
 
 
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CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

John breaks down how Pike stays efficient in a tough economic environment, the power of their shareholder-owned farm model, and how their work with PIC and a 240-head boar facility drives genetics and health outcomes. He also opens up about the innovations Pike adopts — and how they decide what’s truly valuable versus industry hype.

From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.