ALEXANDRIA, VA, July 1, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) has submitted comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) encouraging the adoption of science-based, transparent trade practices as the agency develops a proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade and new mechanisms to promote reciprocal trade.
In its comments, NARA highlighted concerns regarding customs inspection and testing practices applied to U.S. exports of non-ruminant animal protein meals at certain Chinese ports. The association noted that member companies have experienced repeated instances where shipments tested positive for Salmonella following customs inspection, despite retained production samples from the same lots testing negative through accredited laboratory methods. NARA emphasized that these inconsistencies raise questions regarding sampling procedures, testing methodologies, laboratory consistency, and the reproducibility of results.
To promote fair, science-based trade, NARA recommended that USTR pursue greater transparency in China’s testing procedures, establish validated laboratory protocols, create a formal dispute-resolution process when testing results conflict, recognize equivalent industry quality assurance programs, and encourage regular technical consultations between regulators and industry representatives.
“NARA supports efforts to strengthen reciprocal trade between the United States and China,” said Dana Johnson Downing, Senior Vice President of International Programs for NARA. “Science-based regulatory practices and transparent testing procedures are essential to maintaining confidence in international markets and ensuring U.S. exporters are treated fairly.”
China remains one of the most vital export destinations for U.S. rendered products, currently ranking as the industry’s third-largest export market. NARA believes addressing unnecessary non-tariff barriers through structured technical dialogue would improve transparency, predictability, and market access while supporting U.S. agricultural exports.
