Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released guidance for American beef producers who are preparing to ship U.S. beef to Chinese markets for the first time since 2003. U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) released the following statement:

“I welcome the news that China has lifted its ban and will allow U.S. beef into their market. Idaho is a leading global exporter of high-quality beef, and it’s wonderful to add this commodity to the $46 million worth of other agricultural products that Idaho sells to China each year.”

Before the market was closed, the U.S. was China’s largest supplier of beef, providing 70 percent of its imports.