In April and the first half of May, China’s total tariff rate for US beef was 147%. Even following a May 14 joint announcement temporarily easing tariffs for 90 days, China’s rates still stand at 32% for US beef. In addition, most US beef production is ineligible due to China’s failure – since February – to renew expiring beef plant and cold storage facility registrations. “The need for progress in the US-China trade negotiations is extremely urgent because tariffs could soar again on August 12. January-May beef exports were down 5% from last year’s pace at 508,293 mt, while value declined 3% to $4.15 billion.