China virus-safety demand the latest hurdle to a trade deal

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The growing friction between China and the US and the transpacific trade talks are being given added piquancy by coronavirus pandemic and the growing fear in China that food imports could be a fresh source of infections. China now wants foreign exporters of meat and soybeans to sign pre-shipment certificates that show the products are not infected with Covid-19, according to Bloomberg. “China’s request isn’t a move aimed at imposing trade restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter. The demand doesn’t target specific countries as it’s for all exporters, and aims to ease Chinese consumer concerns over the safety of imported food.”

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