Opportunities for Belgian pork exports to China have increased following an agreement between the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) and the General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC).
The agreement covers items such as pig trotters, which are not widely consumed in Belgium but are highly appreciated in China.
When the African swine fever appeared in Belgium in 2018, many countries including China imposed restrictions on the import of Belgian pork. It took years for most countries to lift their embargoes.
Since the start of this year, it has been possible again to export Belgian pork to China.
The new agreement opens the door to more export opportunities for the Belgian pork sector, according to the FAVV, which said on Friday that the range of products that can be exported has been expanded.
Outgoing Minister of Agriculture David Clarinval is also pleased with the agreement.
“This agreement, which allows our country to export even more pork products to China, is a new boost for our pig farmers,” he said.
“Farmers can ask a better price for their entire product.”