Trump provides opportunity for pork and biofuel to Pacific Rim countries
In answer to the National Pork Producers Council’s consistent engagement with his administration, President Donald Trump recently signed trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia, with the Malaysia portion having enormous economic potential for America’s 60,000-plus pork producers.
“America’s pork producers are grateful to President Trump for increasing market access for U.S. pork to Malaysia, a country that has been importing pork despite limited plants being eligible for export,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “More than 25% of U.S. pork production is exported, so producers count on exports to help keep their farms afloat, especially in times of uncertainty.”
(This story was updated at 10:05 a.m. Oct. 28)
The deal with Malaysia will open access to all United States facilities included in the Food Safety and Inspection Service Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory; will not impose additional product or facility registration requirements; and will ensure acceptance of the standard FSIS export certificate. In a separate deal, Cambodia agreed to the same terms. Moreover, Malaysia has agreed to recognize the U.S. protection zone for African swine fever within 15 months of signing the deal and complete a regionalization deal.
U.S. pork producers were grateful for the leadership of U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy Julie Callahan, as well as assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on technical negotiations.
U.S. pork exports to Malaysia hit record levels of over $24.5 million in 2024, a significant amount given that only eight U.S. plants are currently eligible for export. Exports to Malaysia have increased more than 1,700% in the last five years, the NPPC said.
Here in America, pork production supports rural communities, and exports support more than 140,000 American jobs. Exports also account for more than $66 in value from each hog marketed.
American pork producers need certainty and stability—now as much as ever—and NPPC will continue to engage with the administration and international partners to maintain and open new market access for U.S. pork, the organization said.
Growth Energy
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, issued the following statement after Greer announced new trade agreements between the U.S. and four countries in Southeast Asia—Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
“American farmers and rural communities want and need new markets—like the ones that will be created and enhanced by these new trade agreements,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Global demand for ethanol is growing and the Trump administration continues to find ways to create new opportunities for this industry while positioning American producers to make the most of them. These new deals will be welcome news across the heartland, and we commend USTR for its commitment to building American energy dominance through the strength of our trade relationships.”
Sorghum industry welcomes news
National Sorghum Producers welcomed the Trump administration’s announcement of new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as progress on frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam.
The Malaysia agreement notably opens market access for U.S. sorghum exports while addressing non-tariff barriers and expanding opportunities for a range of U.S. agricultural products.
“We appreciate President Trump’s recognition of the importance of Southeast Asian markets for U.S. agriculture and commend the administration’s work to expand market access in the region,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kansas. “We especially welcome Malaysia’s commitment to include U.S. sorghum and look forward to future agreements that build on this progress and strengthen opportunities for American farmers.”
