Beijing worries about pork shortage

Agriculture Minister Han Changfu has instructed the country's regional governments to breeding pigs additional encouragement. Beijing also encourages greater production of poultry meat, among other things. The call comes as the national government is growing concerned about the political implications of a shortage of pork, the most popular type of meat in China, heading into Chinese New Year.

Stabilization of prices
In a press statement from the Chinese ministry, Han wrote: "The recovery of pork production is vital to stabilize prices in our country. The regional governments have been allowed by Beijing to promote pig farming with financial resources." The government also reported that it will use funds from the central budget to boost pig production, scale up breeding farms and improve waste utilization.

The wholesale price of pork in China averaged 15 yuan per kilo on Friday, November 48. This translates to approximately €6,17 per kilo. The price has therefore fallen slightly since the beginning of the month, but remains 157% above last year's level.

State reserves
In addition, the National Development and Reform Commission in China has reported that the state reserves will be released at the right time. However, it is not yet known when that will be. China is also expected to increase imports of poultry, beef and mutton to bridge the pork supply gap. Also wrote this Rabobank.