The U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association has confirmed that U.S. pig and sow skin products may once again be exported directly to China.
These products, along with a number of other U.S. pork products, were restricted from import in China in 2009 due to concerns related to H1-N1 “swine flu” occurrences. H1-N1 is not transmissible to either humans or animals via animal products. While most U.S. pork products regained market access in China shortly after the restrictions were instituted, U.S. pig and sow skins remained in limbo.