Rabobank's research unit said in a quarterly report today that the global pork industry is stalling.
Global hog prices moved sharply lower, as the global recovery in production has outpaced the rebound in demand.
The rapid decline in prices and resulting producer losses in some markets will slow 2022 herd growth, helping offset improved herd health and reduced African swine fever (ASF) impacts. Prices have since stabilized but remain well below the peak.
Pork prices are also lower seasonally yet remain heavily dependent on pandemic restrictions and macroeconomic trends.
Shortage of workers is an issue in some markets, Rabobank said, and rising input costs are squeezing margins and could also reduce planned production.
Passing rising costs through to retail prices will likely reduce consumer demand, especially in income-sensitive countries.
China
Producers responded to rising costs and the continued threat of African Swine Fever outbreaks by reducing the herd.
Some high-cost producers have been forced out of business.
Demand remains weak, limited by pandemic dining restrictions. In response to this slowdown, China continues to limit imports in an effort to balance supply. That has impacted Canadian pork processors, such as Olymel and Conestoga Meats.
Given ongoing demand weakness, Rabobank expects pork supplies to remain ample following herd reduction and previous restocking, but supplies could be short of needs should economic trends improve.
Europe
EU hog prices are 24 per cent below the five-year average, on larger slaughter and weaker demand in both domestic and export markets.
Producers in Germany and the Netherlands are liquidating the herd and are expected to reduce production in the coming months. Labor challenges are also an issue at some plants, though the impacts are not widespread.
United States
Hog supplies will remain tight through early 2022 but will be higher compared with prior-year levels. Even so, rising costs and added regulatory constraints are expected to moderate expansion plans, as are packing constraints made worse by labor availability.
Domestic demand is expected to slow as higher costs are passed through to consumers, with export growth acting as a welcome buffer.
Brazil
Producers remain optimistic, despite a 34 per cent increase in feed costs.
Sales into export markets remain strong, helped by weakness in the Brazilian currency and larger pork supplies.
Rabobank predicts production will increase by 5.5 per cent this year and continue next year.
