Wednesday, August 23, 2023

China poised to increase pork imports

China is anticipated to increase pork imports by eight per cent next year, said the Foreign Agriculture Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.


But that is still half as much as 2020.


Swine production in China, and the resulting pork products, both are forecast to decline by one per cent in 2024, while live pig imports next year are forecast to grow 20 per cent to 6,000 head in 2024 as the country continues to rebuild its hog herd.


While hog imports are increasing, they are still at historic lows.


China’s production has struggled with low prices for hogs and pork and losses across the industry. Last year many companies were forced to sell their herds and some smaller producers sold in a hurry on their way out of the market altogether.


The average sow inventory in 2023 is expected to be lower than 2022 and is forecast even lower than 2022 and is forecast even lower in 2024.