Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), a member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry, today welcomed the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative concerning China's intent to re-open its market to U.S. pork and live swine.

In 2008, China was the U.S. pork industry's fastest growing market, accounting for $560 million in U.S. exports according to the United States Trade Representative.  In May of 2009, China placed restrictions on U.S. pork exports to China due to misguided concerns regarding the H1N1 flu virus.

"This is welcome news for Nebraska and our nation's pork producers.  Pork producers have been struggling and international trade offers a tremendous step forward.  China represents a huge market for our pork products and the lifting of this ban is long overdue.  America's agriculture products are the safest in the world and I am glad China has signaled its intent to open its borders," Smith said.