China bans imports of livestock products from many countries

The ban covers both processed and unprocessed products, based on information on disease outbreaks released by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), according to a January 21 announcement by China's General Administration of Customs.

The ban by China – the world's largest meat importer – affects a number of countries, including: Ghana, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Tanzania and Egypt, Bulgaria, Timor Leste and Eritrea.

In addition, China also stopped importing products from sheep, goats and related animals from the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh due to sheeppox and goatpox outbreaks.

In particular, many animal products and related products from Germany were also banned from import after the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was detected.

China’s decision could have a major impact on the international meat market, especially for major exporting countries that rely on the Chinese market. In addition, the ban also reflects Beijing’s strict policy of protecting its domestic livestock industry from the risk of disease spreading from other countries.

China is the world's largest meat importer, and decisions like these not only impact exporters but also pose challenges to controlling livestock diseases globally.

Cao Phong (according to SCMP, THX)