The US Department of Agriculture predicts that China will increase its pork purchases this year to 1.95 million tons due to an expected three percent decline in pork production. The decrease in production is attributed to reduced supplies, fewer pig slaughters, and a decrease in slaughter weight during fattening. However, the import of live pigs is expected to decrease due to concerns over new cases of ASF and low prices. Domestic pork consumption in China is also projected to fall by three percent to 57.8 million tons.