US beef industry groups expressed cautious optimism following reports that President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed American beef market access during meetings in China this week, alongside renewed registrations for hundreds of US beef establishments.

According to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) granted a five‑year registration extension to 425 overdue US beef establishments in the China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) system. GACC also added 77 new US beef establishment registrations effective May 15, 2026, with registrations valid for five years.

USMEF noted that 38 establishments remain suspended. Of these facilities, 25 had expired registrations that China renewed but that still remain ineligible for export.

The renewed registrations follow summit discussions between Trump and Xi that included US beef trade and market access. Industry groups say the move represents an important step toward improving export stability between the two countries.

“Renewal of US beef export facility registrations is an essential step to securing market access, and we appreciate the Trump Administration’s work on this,” said Justin Tupper, president of the US Cattlemen’s Association.

Tupper added that uncertainty surrounding China’s quota‑managed system and broader trade terms continues to create volatility for US cattle producers.

“Given the current state of beef trade between our two countries—with China’s quota‑managed system and continued uncertainty around the details of the deal—we continue to urge US trade officials to pursue truly free and fair trade that delivers stable, transparent, and enforceable access for US beef producers,” Tupper said.

Tupper added that regardless of the terms of any deal, US cattle producers deserve reduced volatility in the marketplace and market access.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom also welcomed the development, noting that the organization is awaiting additional details from the US government regarding ongoing trade discussions and future engagement with China.

USMEF emphasized that the timing of China’s renewed registrations is particularly significant, coming just ahead of the SIAL food show opening this weekend in Shanghai—one of the largest food industry events in the world and a key venue for international beef buyers and suppliers.