Funds to participate in international initiatives promoting primary sector products and by-products. And the easing of relations with Beijing to favor red meat exports. The Trump administration, after causing so much trouble, is finally providing a boost to the US meat and leather industry. Some will say: it’s clear the midterm elections are approaching, which threaten to cripple the tycoon (pictured, from social media). Whether it was for reasons of consensus or industrial vision, the relevant associations, meanwhile, are grateful. By La Conceria.

Assisting the meat-leather supply chain

First, funding for internationalization initiatives. As part of the ” America First Trade Promotion Program,” the USDA awarded $ 1.65 million to the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA). “We are grateful for USDA’s efforts to reverse the industry’s current trade deficit,” LHCA President Kerry Brozyna commented on LinkedIn. “The funding will allow us to expand our promotional activities in key markets, ensuring that U.S. leather remains the best choice for producers and consumers worldwide.”

Relaxations

Red meat has also benefited from USDA funds, totaling more than $150 million (with $12.5 million going to the US Meat Export Federation, USMEF). This isn’t the only good news for the sector from the Trump administration. USMEF itself welcomed the outcome of the president’s state trip to Beijing (May 13-15). The Chinese Customs Agency not only extended import authorizations for 425 US establishments for five years, but also authorized 77 new ones (while 38 have “suspended” status). “China’s reopening to US beef is excellent news for both the American beef industry and Chinese consumers,” commented Dan Halmstrom, president and CEO of USMEF, “who are eager to resume purchasing.”