Parent company WH Group suffers stock price drop after China threatens tariff on U.S. pork.

U.S. trade associations warn of potential harm to the American agriculture industry should the two countries enter into a trade war.

Trade association fears trade war with China would hurt meat export market.

China will have to lower tariffs on U.S. broiler chicken or appeal the decision.

“Safeguard” mechanism will increase tariff rate on U.S. beef temporarily to 50%.

The tariff would affect only exporters from countries, including the United States, which do not have free trade agreements with Japan currently in force.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $1.1 trillion spending package that avoids a government shutdown.

Canada and Mexico are seeking more than $3 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

U.S. exports that could be affected include fruits, vegetables, grains, pasta, chocolates, baked goods, prepared food, jewelry, liquor, wine and furniture.