Inside Pigs
New record for Chinese pork imports
The Chinese import volume of pork, despite reports of the recovery of the domestic pig population, is not yet slowing down. A new record was even imported for the month of March.
Read this article?
Become a subscriber and get instant access
Choose the subscription that suits you
In total, China imported no less than 460.000 tons of pork in March. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 16%. According to customs figures, a new record has even been reached. A total of 3 million tons were imported over the first 1,16 months of the year, 22% more than last year.
Imports were partly driven by state purchases to replenish stocks. To keep pig prices down, pork from stock is regularly brought onto the market. This stock also needs to be replenished.
Growth of domestic production
China's pork production has also grown and was almost flat over the first 3 months of the year 32% above last year's level. The domestic pig herd grew, but many pigs were also preventively slaughtered for fear of African swine fever. This led to lower slaughter weights.