However, for the market to open up non-scientific trade barriers based on spurious sanitary and phytosanitary arguments have to be removed.

The NPPC said that in the short term there is a potential to increase exports by $80 million and in the long term by about $600 million.

US exports are also being hit by other non-scientific barriers by countries such as Russia where trade has been blocked.

The NPPC vice president of international affairs Nick Giordano said that exporters are looking hard at the whole Asia market with further great potential in countries such as Malaysia - provided trade barriers can be overcome.

The Trans Pacific Partnership with Pacific Rim countries could establish a free trade agreement throughout South East Asian opening up trade possibilities through the region.

Already, the US has some FTAs with countries in the region but opening up the Vietnamese market could offer huge potential benefits for the US.

One of the major potential importers for US pork could be China, which while it is seeking self-sufficiency is facing a dilemma over the price of pork for its consumers and the supply of pork.

Mr Giordano said that while at present there is a dispute with China over labelling pork that needs to be settled, the Chinese market offers great potential because it will need to import more pig meat - and not just variety meats - in order to meet domestic demand.

"China and most of the Asian countries re not in a position to adequately produce pork on their own," said Mr Giordano.

"It is a tremendous opportunity for the US."

Mr Giordano said that opportunities in the Chinese market depended on the extent the Chinese government is willing to support the domestic industry, the availability and price of feed and whether it is more expedient for China to import to meet its needs than attempt to become completely self sufficient.