Chinese pig herd shrinks anyway

The growth recently announced by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) about the Chinese pig population is contradicted by China. The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture reports the largest contraction in 2 years in October.

Without giving exact animal numbers, the Chinese ministry of agriculture reports a 6,6% contraction compared to the same month last year. The sow herd shrank by 5,3% in October. This is the highest percentage contraction since March 2016. According to the government, the contraction that started in 2016 is continuing at an accelerated pace.

The tightened environmental legislation is the main reason for the decline. It is striking that the USDA for 2018 precisely fast growing pig herd provides in China. The decline of the so-called 'backyard farms' in China will continue, according to the USDA, but will not outweigh the fast-growing pig integrations.

The figures from the Chinese government do deserve a caveat, however. Chinese statistics are usually not always reliable, because they use different calculation methods than in Western countries.  

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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