China suspends imports of poultry products from Argentina, five months after lifting the ban.
The notice regarding the suspension did not indicate the reason for the measure or how long the suspension might remain in effect.
By Ella Cao and Lewis Jackson
BEIJING (Reuters) China suspended imports of poultry products from Argentina starting August 20, just five months after lifting a two-year ban.
The notice regarding the suspension, which was published on a customs website, did not indicate the reason for the measure or how long the suspension might remain in effect.
Customs authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Beijing has also banned imports of poultry and related products from its largest supplier, Brazil, since May, and imports from Spain this month, with authorities noting outbreaks of avian influenza in both countries.
The two-year embargo on Argentine poultry occurred after the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country's commercial poultry.
"This decision may help support prices for some poultry products, as China has restricted imports from some of the main suppliers," said Pan Chenjun, senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank in Hong Kong.
"However, its overall impact (on prices) is likely limited due to China's current poultry meat surplus and the sector's ongoing financial difficulties."
China mainly imports poultry products, such as chicken feet, chicken wings, and bone-in chicken pieces.
China's poultry meat imports from January to July totaled 226.013 tons, a 2% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to customs data.
(Reporting by Ella Cao, Lewis Jackson and the Beijing newsroom)
