Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt Pork Meat Trade Flows

Despite changes in trade flows and other economic and consumer uncertainties, pork prices have recovered, driven by supply scarcity. Due to ongoing health and productivity challenges, the sow herd growth has been limited. RaboResearch also noted that the slow production response reflects market uncertainty derived from lower economic growth prospects. "We anticipate limited demand improvement for the remainder of the year," stated Christine McCracken, RaboResearch's senior animal protein analyst. "High beef and poultry prices, along with the expected shift in consumer spending from food service to retail (where pork typically performs better), could offer additional support." So far, growing geopolitical tensions have had a limited impact on global pork markets, RaboResearch said, but are likely to redirect world trade volumes in the coming months. While the United States and China recently reached an agreement to substantially reduce tariffs for 90 days, additional tariffs on ...