Pig meat imports remain stable in Japan

During the first ten months of this year, Japan’s global imports of pig meat, which were made up primarily of fresh/frozen pork, but also contained some sausages and processed meat, remained level to same period last year, totalling 953,100 tonnes, according to AHDB. “While not a significant UK trading partner, Japan is the second largest global pig meat importer, with domestic production unable to meet demand,” commented AHDB lead analyst Bethan Wilkins, adding that with the Chinese market outlook uncertain, the performance of other key importers is becoming increasingly significant. Shipments to the country in the third quarter were up by nearly 10% on 2020 levels, before slowing again in October (+2% year on year). The growth has been driven by an increase in volumes from the US, its main supplier. Other suppliers also shipped increased quantities in the third quarter, except Germany, which is currently banned due to cases of African Swine Fever reported in the country. Across ...