Poultry industry leaders have been anticipating the move since China agreed to import $40 billion worth of agricultural products per year from the United States over the next two years and since the U.S. long ago declared itself free of highly-pathogenic strains of avian influenza.
Before the ban the U.S. exported chicken paws (i.e. feet) and wing tips to China, increasing the value of chicken.
Some anticipate China will buy up to $1 billion worth of chicken paws per year and another $1 billion worth of other poultry products.
Some U.S. poultry processors expect to export significant volumes of dark meat which is becoming more popular in global markets, including in North America.
