W6: Weekly Pork Update

Global

Global Pork Meat Trade Flows Set to Remain Firm in 2023 (Feb 6)

The USDA projects global pork output to edge 0.3% higher to 114.1M MT. This would see the recovery from African Swine Fever (ASF) in China and South-East Asia continue, taking production almost 20% above its 2020-low. However, consumption growth is set to outpace this, requiring a slight increase in global imports. Since China accounts for 48% of world production, just over half of consumption and 21% of imports, it is set to remain an important driver of global pork market conditions. A slight rise in imports has been penciled in; though, at 2.1M MT, volumes would remain well below the highs of 2019-21, where shipments had peaked at 5.3M MT in 2020. However, there is considerable uncertainty around the outlook in China, with the persistent market volatility of recent years continuing into 2023. Away from China, rising pork production has been forecast in Brazil, Japan, Mexico, the US and the Philippines in 2023, whereas declines are projected in Canada, South Korea, the EU and the UK. However, with a rising cost of living pressuring disposable incomes across much of the world, pork’s position as a competitively priced protein has led the USDA to project increased consumption and/or imports in most of these countries and regions.

Global Pork Market Shaped by Recession, Supply-Demand Imbalance, and Uncertainties (Feb 6)

According to the latest Rabobank quarterly pork report, global recession is affecting pork demand and increasing volatility. A small upside in trade is expected for this year, and the re-opening of China is raising opportunities but also uncertainties. The slowing economy is weighing on demand for pork, raising uncertainties and volatility in the industry. Despite being considered less impacted than more expensive proteins, pork is still facing some pressure on consumption due to challenged household incomes, increased savings and a potential decline in specific channels. According to the report, managing inflation remains a priority for many governments, requiring careful calibration of interest rates to maintain consumer and business confidence. A limited upside for trade in 2023 is expected as supply tightens in exporting countries and rises in importing countries. “Trade is expected to increase modestly in Q1 2023, but it may find growth difficult to sustain through the year, given slow production in major exporting regions like the EU and the US,” explains Chenjun Pan, senior analyst. By contrast, Brazil, which continued to grow exports in 2022, is expected to increase production and exports this year. At the same time, the further recovery and growth in local production in Southeast Asia and China will mean demand for imports will ease, particularly in the second half of 2023.

Global Pig Meat Prices Down Slightly in January (Feb 6)

The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 113.6 points in January, down marginally (0.1 points and 0.1%) from December, continuing the decline for the seventh consecutive month, but it still stood 1.5 points (1.3%) above its year-earlier level. Pig meat prices fell slightly due to ample supplies of slaughter-ready pigs, especially in Brazil and the US, and lower-than-expected imports by China ahead of the Spring Festival.

Europe

EU Pork Production Forecast to Decline, as Recession Affects Global Pork Sector (Feb 7)

EU pork production is expected to decline by around 3 to 4% in 2023, according to the latest quarterly pork report from Rabobank. EU pork production fell by 5% between January and October 2022, with most countries suffering declines, albeit to varying degrees. In October 2022, production was down by 10% in Germany, 9% in Poland, 5% in Denmark, 2% in Spain, 2% in France and 0.5% in the Netherlands. In contrast, production in the UK was up 2% in the year to October due to higher carcass weights resulting from the backlog. EU pork exports declined by 18% in the year to October, with volumes to China down by 43% in the YTD, despite a small rebound in the second half of the year. However, the figures suggest that volumes exported to other destinations decreased as China volumes recovered. Rabobank predicts that in the first quarter of 2023, exports from the EU and UK to China will decrease relative to the end of 2022, as Chinese demand is forecast to soften in response to a surge in domestic production, combined with reduced consumption after a wave of COVID. Lower EU pork supplies are expected to be largely balanced by lower seasonal demand during Q1, with prices forecast to dip in Q1 before rising, ‘possibly sharply’, as demand picks up.

Significant Drops in the Activity of Pig Slaughterhouses in Several European Countries (Feb 7)

The first Member States have already communicated to the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) the annual results of the total number of pigs slaughtered in 2022. According to a preliminary survey carried out by the Danish organization for the agricultural and food industry (L&F), the number of pigs slaughtered was 17.81M, 3.8% less than in 2022. Slaughter in the neighboring country to the north fell by nearly 700K hogs, -3.8% to 17.81M. The pig population there, last recorded in October, was 11.9M animals, 10% less than in 2021. In Belgian slaughterhouses, 10.52M pigs were slaughtered, 9.2% fewer animals than the previous year. In Hungary, the slaughter volume fell by 6.9% to 4.53M pieces. In Finland, it dropped by 3.6% to 1.86M. According to preliminary data, the loss of pigs in France was comparatively moderate.

Pigs Improvements in Europe (Feb 8)

A slight improvement in demand triggers the first increase in the price of pork in Northern Europe, where the drop in production is particularly marked. After a calm month of January, some impulses on the meat market allowed the revaluation of certain cuts even if the intra-Community commercial competition remained fierce, particularly for certain cuts such as shoulders. In Germany, the supplies are now lower than the demand and the meat pigs are marketed quickly. The meat sector still reports the presence of foreign meats which complicates trade, but German cuts are now selling more easily. Furthermore, with a view to the preparation of spring products, certain parts are stored in fridges, the fill levels of which are particularly low at the start of the year due to the high cost of energy, which is true everywhere in Europe.

Spain

China Is Positioned as One of the Markets With the Greatest Potential for the Iberian Sector (Feb 9)

Iberian ham is in fashion in China. The global export data for cured hams and shoulders indicates this, which in the first eleven months of 2022 have experienced growth of more than 35% compared to the same period of the previous year. In this context, the Iberian Pig Inter-professional (ASICI), with the support of the EU, begins a fruitful second year of the campaign " Iberian Hams from Spain, Ambassadors of Europe in the World" in China. A global training, education and information project on Iberian Ham that, once again, aims to strengthen the internationalization capacity of companies in the sector, improving the visibility and positioning of Iberian Hams in markets as relevant as China. Likewise, this ambitious initiative aims to awaken the "Iberian Sense" in more than 300M consumers from countries as important as France, Germany, Mexico or Spain, as well as China.

United States

US Hog Futures Close Mostly Higher (Feb 6)

Hog futures closed mostly higher, with most-active April hogs up 0.475 cent at USD 1,906.45/MT (86.475 cents per pound), rebounding from a four-month low set on Feb 1. June hogs finished up 0.650 cents at 103.300 cents. Still, cheap pork continued to anchor the futures market, with wholesale prices sputtering just above two-year lows set in mid-January. The USDA reported the carcass cutout on Feb 3 afternoon at USD 79.09 per cwt, down USD 2.41 from Feb 2 three-week high.

USDA Trims 2023 Pork Production Outlooks in the US (Feb 8)

The USDA lowered 2023 pork production estimates. Pork is pegged at 27.435B pounds, 45M less than last month on lighter carcass weights in the first half of the year, with an average barrow and gilt price of USD 66.50/hundredweight, down USD 1.50, slightly lower consumption, and steady imports and exports.

US Pork Production Forecast in 2023 to Increase (Feb 9)

The US breeding herd has grown although the number of pigs as of December 1, 2022 increased by only 2K heads compared to the previous quarter, it increased by 0.5% compared to the same period in 2021. It is noteworthy that the level of reproduction from December 2022 to February 2023 will increase by 1% over the same period last year and from March to May 2023 will increase by 0.5% over the same period last year. The increase in herd will boost pig production in the second half of 2023. Rabobank continues to forecast a 0.2% increase in pork production in 2023. According to experts, live hog prices throughout the fourth quarter of 2022 remained above the average for the year, but have since declined. About 800K hogs are backlog after recent Midwest storms and a bleak market is putting downward pressure on pork futures prices, which are now USD 10 off their highs. The report said demand fell for bacon (down 22% YoY) and ribs (down 12% YoY), while ham was up (up 40% YoY).

2022 Is a Record Year for US Pork Exports Finish Strong (Feb 9)

Pork exports finished 2022 on a decidedly upward trajectory as December shipments reached 244.72K MT, up 13% YoY and the second largest of 2022 (slightly below November). December export value climbed 14% to USD 687.3M. These results pushed 2022 exports to 2.67M MT, down 8.5% from a year ago, while export value was USD 7.68B, down 5% from the record achieved in 2021. Exports of US pork variety meat were the second largest on record at more than 530K MT, while export value was record-high at USD 1.27B. Pork exports to Mexico set a volume record in December on the way to a record-breaking year in which exports increased 10% to nearly 960K MT. Export value to Mexico soared 21% to USD 2.03B, topping the USD 2B mark for the first time. December exports also set a value record in Central America and trended higher YoY to China/Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Australia. 2022 exports to the DR were record-large in both volume (85.55K MT, up 46%) and value (USD 233.6M, up 55%). 

Germany

Pig Slaughter Quantity Decreased by 9.8% (Feb 8)

With 47.0M animals slaughtered in 2022, the number of pigs slaughtered fell by 9.2% representing 4.8M head compared to the previous year. The number of slaughtered pigs of domestic origin fell by 9.6% to almost 45.8M animals. After the significant decline in 2021, the number of imported pigs slaughtered on German farms rose by 6.5% to a good 1.2M animals in 2022. In total, the slaughterhouses produced around 4.5M MT of pork in 2022. That was 9.8% down, 485K MT less than in 2021. Compared to 2016, around 1.1M MT less pork was produced in 2022, which corresponds to a decrease of almost a fifth (-19.7%). One reason for the declining pork production is the declining pig population in Germany.

Denmark

Big Raises in Denmark Weaners Market (Feb 9)

The prices of weaners on the Danish stock exchange rose again, being the fourth week of growth. Negative PRRS piglets were valued at USD 87.03/head (DKK 605), and PRRS positive piglets at USD 84.15/head (DKK 585). The rates apply to weaners weighing 30 kg. Compared to prices in the same period last year (W7), the current prices for weaners are USD 55.38/head (DKK 385) higher, depending on health status. In turn, compared to last week, the current rates are higher by USD 4.32- 5.03/pcs (30-35 DKK) in all health statuses.

Netherlands

Dutch Livestock Farmers Filed 40% Fewer Loan Applications With the Bank (Feb 10)

A significant decrease in lending to Dutch livestock breeders in 2022 was noted by the Dutch agricultural bank Rabobank, on February 9. Outstanding loans to dairy farmers fell from USD 9.64B (€9B) to USD 9.32B (€8.7B). Capital provided to pig producers fell from USD 1.29B (€1.2B) to USD 1.18B (€1.1B). The total assets provided by the bank in the form of loans to the food and agricultural sectors increased from USD 38.25B (€35.7B) to USD 43.29B (€40.4B), but this was mainly due to investments in the food sector. Representatives of the livestock and horticultural sectors in general borrowed less money from the bank.

Brazil

Swine Farmers in Brazil Achieve a Significant Readjustment at the End of W5 (Feb 6)

On the last day of business in W5, the pork market showed pig farmers with limited supplies of barley in the breeding base and, on the other hand, slaughterhouses needing to increase slaughter scales in preparation for the good prospects of the current week. The result was a strong increase in closures performed with live pigs. The readjustment, 1st of the week, 1st of the month, 2nd of the year, raised the average price of live hogs to the value practiced in the same period of last January, while pointing to significant increments of 51.3% and 26.6% over, respectively, same day last year and the day before. The market tends to show good movement in all links of the negotiation chain due to the positive factors that the week presents. And this can provide pig farmers with the opportunity to continue adding value to their product.

Pork Exports Grow 19.6% In Volume in 2023 (Feb 9)

Brazilian exports of pork meat (in natura and processed) totaled 89.2K MT in January 2023, informs the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). The balance exceeds by 19.6% the total shipped in the first month of 2022, with 74.6K MT. In revenue, sector sales reached USD 212.4M this year, a performance 32.1% higher than that registered in January 2022, with USD 160.7M. Among the main destinations for pork exports, China remains in the lead, with 41.6K MT, a volume 32.5% higher than that registered in the same period of 2022, with 31.4K MT. Other highlights were Hong Kong, with 7.1K MT (+5.5%), Chile, with 6.5K MT (+53%) and Singapore, with 4.7K MT (+37.7%). 

Mexico

Mexico Pork Meat Trade Balance in 2022 (Feb 6)

According to preliminary data from the Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA), the total pork exports fell by 11.9%, mainly due to a 62.4% drop in sales to the Chinese market, which represents 8.9% of the exportable national supply. In terms of value, exports fell 8.9% despite the 3.4% increase in prices. Imports maintained their upward trend in the face of strong demand from the processing industry, reaching a record with more than 1.44M MT. Despite a 15% increase in price; the value of external purchases increased 25.3%.

Mexican Farmers Innovate With Vaccines to Improve Pig Health (Feb 10)

Mexican pork producers begin to use a subdermal and needle-free vaccination system to reduce the stress of sick animals, reduce virus transmission and increase quality meat certification, one of the main agricultural exports. The veterinarian Guillermo Bernal Martínez explained that this vaccination technology does not use needles and is applied to the skin and not intramuscularly, since they have verified that the concentration of dermal cells responds more quickly to immunizing agents. Within the framework of the Congress of Veterinary Medical Specialists in Pigs of Los Altos de Jalisco (AMVECAJ) 2023, which concludes on Feb 10 in the city of Tepatitlán (western Mexico). The specialist pointed out that another advantage is that this technology does not damage the muscles of the animal and that favors the quality of the meat.

Poland

Summary of ASF in 2022 in Poland (Feb 6)

The occurrence of ASF in pigs on a farm entails the immediate liquidation of the herd and disposal of the killed animals. All items and substances that may have been contaminated with the virus are also destroyed. A farm where ASF has been found is subject to cleaning and disinfection. Therefore, Polish pig farmers were a little pleased with the published summary, but realize that this is not the end of the fight against this major threat to their production. In 2022, 2,113 outbreaks were confirmed in feral pig populations and 14 outbreaks in swine herds. The extent of African Swine Fever zones has decreased significantly. The largest number of cases was confirmed in the Dolnośląskie, followed by the Lubuskie, Warmian-Masurian and Wielkopolska (Greater Poland). There has been a large decrease in the incidence of the disease in both feral pigs and swine herds (The last outbreak of the disease was observed in mid-September). Throughout 2022, the disease was confirmed in 2,566 boars. As a result of the elimination of outbreaks, 3,064 pigs died or were slaughtered (in fact, in 2021, more than 41K animals were eliminated following the disease, a huge decrease). So both the incidence of the disease in wild boars and in pig herds has seen a large decrease in cases.

6% Drop In Pig Inventory in Poland (Feb 6)

The breeding sow inventory was down 9.4% (-61.4K head) compared to December 2021, reaching 592.6K head, of which gestating sows decreased by 6.7% (-29.1K head) to 404.8K head. Compared to June 2021, the number of breeding sows decreased by 13.7K head (-2.3%), including gestating sows, down by 12.9K head, representing 3.1%. Compared with the structure of the pig population registered at the beginning of December 2021, the share of pigs for slaughter increased in 2022 (+2.2%). On the other hand, the share of piglets, growers, and pigs for rearing decreased by 1.3%, 0.7%, and 0.2%, respectively. From January to November 2022 (according to preliminary data), imports of live pigs totaled 6.39M head, 5.7% higher than in the same period the year prior, of which imports of piglets and growers increased by 4.3%. The average weight per imported head in the period was 35.3kg compared to 33.2kg in 2021.

Chile

The Decline in the Production of Pork Persists in Chile (Feb 7)

According to data from the Chilean National Institute of Statistics, in the last quarter of 2022, the number of pig slaughters fell by 2.8% and production fell by 3.6% to stay at 142.27K MT. The region with the majority of production is that of O'Higgins, who accumulates 90%.

United Kingdom

South Korea Deal Will Offer Enormous Opportunity for UK Pork Sector (Feb 6)

South Korea will offer major opportunities for UK pig producers, the NPA stressed, ahead of negotiations on a new free trade agreement. The NPA responded to the Department for International Trade’s call for input on trade with South Korea. “South Korea is a very significant pork market, not just in Asia but globally,” said NPA senior policy adviser. “Pork is the number one protein for Korean consumers and they have the third highest consumption per capita on earth. Its pig meat imports are increasing and there is continued growth in meat consumption. It has a population of more than 50 million people and, therefore, presents an enormous opportunity for the UK pork sector.” In 2021, South Korea imported 465K MT of pig meat but UK exports only accounted for 3,999 MT, representing 0.86%. There is clearly an opportunity to increase UK export volumes and this will be aided by the recent inclusion of bacon, ham, and pork sausages onto the approved product list, Mr. Dewhirst added.

Significant Fall In British Pork Production Expected (Feb 10)

According to a forecast from the British Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), pork production in Britain will fall by as much as 15% in 2022. They base this expectation on the decrease in the number of sows in 2022. In the second quarter, the shortage of fattening pigs will become clearly noticeable for the meat processors. The falling pork production is the effect of the 11.7% fewer sows and 22.4% fewer gilts counted in the UK in 2022. In addition, a period of lower pig production is starting due to the fertility problems caused by the heat wave in the summer of 2022. AHDB predicts pork production will drop 15% to about 885K MT of pork by 2023. The number of pigs that will be slaughtered in 2023 will amount to around 9.8M animals. That is 1.4M less fattening pigs than in 2022. The average carcass weight will also be considerably lower this year because the slaughterhouses will be short of pigs. The average carcass weight is expected to average 87kg. That is 4 kg less than the carcass average of the past year. Light recovery sow herd for the first time since the end of 2020, AHDB sees some reduction in input costs including feed.

Hungary

Pork Consumption Has Increased in Hungary (Feb 6)

In Hungary, pork consumption has increased recently, it has now reached 30 kg/ person per year, and is in second place after the poultry sector, said Tamás Tarpataki, the Deputy State Secretary responsible for the agricultural market of the Ministry of Agriculture (AM) held on Feb 6 about the domestic promotion of Mangalica meat and the possibilities of this product as a premium food. About 300MT of Mangalica meat are sold domestically every year. The pig sector has also been operating in a changing economic environment for years. The pig sector is holding up even in difficult economic conditions, in addition to the runaway input prices. The breeders had to reckon with falling prices at first, but the prices have now returned to their place. In the first two weeks of 2023, the producer price of slaughter pigs was USD 2.31/kg (814 forints) in split hot weight on average. 

Russia

Pork Consumption in Russia Is Forecast to Continue to Increase (Feb 8)

Experts say the continued growth of pork production and market saturation will lead to increased competition among producers. According to Rosstat's calculations, in 2022, Russia's pork production reached 5.76M MT, an increase of 275.5K MT compared to 2021. Domestic consumption increased by 242.2K MT of carcass and reached 4.36M MT. The price of grade 1 and grade 2 pork in the Central District at the end of 2022 was USD 1.59/kg (117.5 rubles), down 5.8% compared to 2021. Previously, NSS warned about the possibility of a price reduction of at least 10%. The actual decline in prices was lower than forecast due to increased domestic consumption, limiting the downward momentum. Consumption is also increased by government support for the poor and reduction in the price gap between pork and poultry. NSS expects that due to falling pork prices and oversupply in the market, pork consumption will increase by 1-2% per year until at least 2025 and will reach 32 kg/person/year compared to with 30 kg at present.

China

Lower Pork Prices in China Will Soon Increase Pressure on Soybean Meal Prices (Feb 6)

The world market of soybeans and soybean meal reacts sensitively to changes in demand from China, the main importer of these products. Therefore, the dynamics of pork production and prices are an important indicator of feed and soybean prices. Domestic hog prices in China fell 17.5% for the month and 43% for the last quarter, soybean meal fell 15% for the quarter, and soybean processing margins approached zero. On the Chicago Stock Exchange, soybean meal last week hit an 8-year high of USD 546/MT amid speculative demand over a possible cut in the soybean harvest and meal supply in Argentina. However, a record soybean harvest in Brazil and a drop in demand from China could lower meal prices. China's hog prices fell for an 11th straight week amid over-slaughter and a rise in pork stocks due to lower-than-expected demand during the New Year holiday, dampening demand for soybean meal.

China to Replenish Pork Reserves to Stabilize Market (Feb 7)

China's top economic planner said it will stockpile pork, the country's staple meat, to replenish state reserves, as an index monitoring pork prices has dropped below a warning level. The index, the national average of pork prices against grain prices, came in at 4.96 to 1 between Jan. 30 and Feb. 3, falling below the warning level of 5 to 1, said the National Development and Reform Commission. According to a work plan for stabilizing the pork market, China has introduced a three-level early-warning system to raise the alarm for excessive ups and downs in hog prices. The commission said it would work with relevant departments to immediately start the stockpiling work for state reserves and guide local governments to purchase pork.

China’s Big Importers Show Different Trends (Feb 9)

China is the main importer of pork in Asia (also in the world), but in 2022, although it is still the Top-One, it has considerably reduced its imports compared to the previous year. China's fresh and frozen pork imports have halved compared to 2021 to 1.47M MT. Offal imports have also fallen, although to a lesser extent, 1.04M MT were imported in 2022, therefore 13.9% less, according to data from the Danish agricultural and food organization L&F. One of the reasons for the lower Chinese imports is the decrease in demand as a result of the Coronavirus. Hong Kong, for reasons similar to those of China, has also reduced its imports in 2022, by 28.7% in the case of pork and by 73.6% in the case of by-products. The situation in Japan, the world's second largest importer of pork, is quite different. In 2022, it increased its imports of fresh and frozen pork to 977.1K MT (+8.2%), as a result of higher demand. Spain increased its exports to Japan by more than half to 186.4K MT. Although the US remained the main supplier to the Japanese market, it reduced its exports by 44% compared to the previous year, to 235K MT. 

China Is Preparing to Buy Pork Reserves Again Due to Low Prices (Feb 11)

According to the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, on February 10, the average price of pork at agricultural wholesale markets across the country was USD 2.99/kg (20.49 yuan), down 9.8% compared to the previous year with a week before (February 3). The average price in W6 was USD 3.10/kg (21.22 yuan), further down 6.1% from W5 price. On February 6, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) issued an early warning on domestic pork prices. Accordingly, the week from January 30 to February 3, the price ratio between pork and food nationwide was 4.96:1, reaching the highest level of alarm among the three levels, i.e. level 1 for the excessive price reductions imposed by this country. Therefore, the NDRC will work with relevant departments to initiate the central purchasing of frozen pork reserves, and at the same time guide the collection of reserves at the same time in all localities.

Thailand

Thailand Learnt From Outbreaks in Asia (Feb 10)

With African Swine Fever (ASF) devastating pig herds in Asia in recent years, Thailand has also had its share. In January 2022, the Thai authorities confirmed the presence of the virus, allowing for a set of measures and initiatives to combat it. The day of 11 January 2022 was one to remember in Thailand’s swine industry. That was the day the Thai authorities publicly announced that African Swine Fever (ASF) virus was present in Thailand, in a slaughterhouse in Nakhon Pathom province. With that report, Thailand was the last country in the mainland of South-East Asia to officially confirm the presence of the virus, after Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia (in 2019) and Malaysia (in 2021). Soon after this initial report, more outbreaks were shared through the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), effectively showing that the virus was present in all corners of the country.

Paraguay

Meat Exports to Taiwan From Paraguay (Feb 8)

The export of pork in 2021 was just over USD 6M to jump to more than double in 2022, reaching USD 13.7M. The tons exported in those years were 1,421 and 3,760. Paraguay and Taiwan already have accumulated experience in swine matters and been successful in vaccinating against classical swine fever. Upisa was reaffirmed as the only pig production refrigerator in Paraguay authorized for export. According to its current statistics, some 72K kg of pork meat recently left its plant with shipment at the port of Villeta destined for Taiwan. They announced that they will arrive on the Chinese island in March 2023 taking into account the trip by river to Montevideo and from there by sea to Asia.

Switzerland

Current Situation on the Swiss Pig Market (Feb 8)

In mid-November 2022, there were signs of a massive deterioration in the market situation for slaughter pigs. In an unprecedented solution worked out by the entire industry, measures to relieve the market were initiated. A crisis team with representatives from the industry carries out a weekly assessment of the situation and coordinates the measures to relieve the market. As a result of a two-week freeze campaign, which was financially supported by the federal government as part of the regular budget for market relief measures, almost 15K slaughter pigs were taken off the market at short notice in December 2022. With the export of pork up to and including W4 in 2023, a good 15.3K slaughter pigs have been exported to other European countries. A weekly export of around 5K pigs is expected for the next few weeks. Due to reduced refrigerated transport offers in Europe, the planned weekly export quantities have not yet been reached. Sales in Europe are a major challenge due to the uniqueness. The exports are financed by a private law fund, which is fed by the pig farmers and the pig trade.

South Korea

Need New Grading Criteria to Upgrade South Korean Pork (Feb 7)

In order to upgrade the quality of Handon, an interim research result has emerged that a new grading standard is needed. It seems difficult to draw clear conclusions. Seo Kang-seok Suncheon, who was in charge of the research at the interim report of 'Research on distribution, consumption behavior and consumer-friendly quality, etc. for the establishment of a high-end Korean pork strategy' held at the 2nd Livestock Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 2nd hosted by the Korean Hand Pork Association (Chairman Son Se-hee). A university professor said, “There are many cases in which the appearance distribution by standard in the current grading evaluation does not meet the grading criteria, and there are many cases where there is a difference in quality even if it is judged as the same grade. In the case of the current grading system, pigs' Carcass grades are judged using carcass weight and backfat thickness, so consumer preferences are not reflected.”

Colombia

Record Pork Production in Colombia in 2022 (Feb 8)

Pork production grew more than 7% to reach 526M MT in 2022. Despite the strong entry of imported meat, the national production maintained its coverage of about 80% of the pork market in Colombia. Pork consumption by Colombian households increased in 2022, from 12.1 kg to 13 kg/ person, according to estimates. Likewise, due to growth in consumption, Colombian pork production increased to 526M MT last year, 7.2% more than the 491.24K MT produced in 2021. "The results of the benefit of pork and the production of pork in 2022 are a record for the sector and make it one of the activities of Colombian agriculture that registers a major continuous growth in the last 12 years at an average rate of 7.4% in profit and 9% in production", indicated Jeffrey Fajardo, executive president of Pork Colombia.

Taiwan

Taiwan Ups Fines on Pork From Singapore Following ASF Case (Feb 10)

Taiwan has increased its fines on pork products brought into the country from Singapore after the city-state became the 17th African swine fever (ASF)-affected country in Asia, Taiwan's Central Emergency Operation Center for ASF said in a statement on Feb 10. Singapore identified ASF in a wild boar carcass found in the northwestern part of the city-state on Feb 7 and reported the case to the World Organization for Animal Health on Feb 9, the center said. The incident suggested that ASF is still spreading in Asia, and those who are caught bringing pork products from Singapore into Taiwan will now face heavy fines, the center said. According to the statement, Taiwan has listed all Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, as high-risk areas for ASF since 2019.