U.S. beef sales to China have sharply declined, according to government data released Thursday, after Beijing allowed export registrations for hundreds of American meat facilities to expire. The move effectively restricts shipments from a significant portion of the U.S. meat industry, adding to trade tensions between the two nations. Industry analysts say the decision could further strain agricultural trade, as China has been a key market for American beef. While Beijing has not provided an official explanation, the expiration of these approvals signals tighter regulatory scrutiny amid broader geopolitical and economic frictions.