News Pigs
Russia intensifies pork exports to Asia
The Russian pig industry is benefiting from the dwindling Asian pig population and the relatively mild consequences of the corona crisis in the country. In the coming period, it can therefore intensify pork exports to various countries in Asia. Vietnam in particular is a major buyer of pork from Russia.
Russia will increase the export volumes of pork to Asia in the coming period. Vietnam, in particular, is buying more Russian pork. The outbreaks of African swine fever in the country have reduced the domestic pig population considerably. Russia's export volume to Vietnam today amounts to 3% to 4% of total pork production. This involves a volume of approximately 190.000 tons per year.
The fact that the Vietnamese choose Russian pork is partly due to the current pig price in Russia. This translates into $1,67 per kilogram of live weight, including VAT of 10%. Now that Lent has begun in Russia, the price is said to drop to $1,53 per kilo. In euros, this is €1,28 per kilogram of live weight. The fact that the price has remained relatively low is partly because Russia has been less affected by the corona pandemic than the European Union and the United States.
Small loss in own pig herd
By the way, Russia itself is still fighting African swine fever. The pig herd is now more than 600.000 pigs less. While that may seem like a significant loss, it is only 3% of the Russian pig population. Yes, there are still outbreaks, but according to the Russians, the impact of this animal disease is considerably less than with several other animal diseases. So they don't worry.
Kimberly Baker
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