Brian Earnest of CoBank addressing the domestic and global poultry market outlook for the poultry and egg industry noted that exporters will face increasing trade protectionism. Earnest observed that importing nations are maintaining tariffs and imposing additional restrictions. This may be reflected in the political rhetoric of the former president who has stated that if elected his administration would impose high tariffs on imports from China.
Dr. David Swayne reviewing the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza considered control measures including unsuccessful attempts at eradication applying flock depopulation. Given that H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b is now endemic in migratory waterfowl and marine birds, the disease is pandemic requiring reevaluation of barriers to international trade coupled with alternative control measures including vaccination.
Christian Richter of the Policy Group opined that despite current buoyant economic reports, global trade may be impacted by the world economic situation and the disparity between rich and poor nations. Richter noted that the outlook may be “ugly and unpredictable”. He pointed to failure to produce an acceptable farm bill that should have been concluded in 2023. Major issues of contention comprise the magnitude of SNAP funding and price supports for commodities. These concerns coupled with political considerations in an election year have impeded compromise and a bipartisan approach to compromise over farm legislation that has characterized all previous farm bills.