W7: Weekly Pork Update
Global
Outlook for the World Pork Meat Market (Feb 15)
Global pork production in 2023 is up 3% from the October 2022 forecast to 114.1M MT due to higher production in China. Pork demand is expected to increase in China due to the recently lifted COVID-19 restrictions. Production forecasts were mostly unchanged for other countries. Global pork exports in 2023 are forecasted to be 2% higher than the October 2022 forecast of 10.7M MT as exports from the EU, Brazil, and the US grow stronger than anticipated demand from other countries, the key market being Asia. The upward revision of imports by China and the Philippines will more than offset the decline in the US. Philippine imports are forecast to be higher as the pork import tax cut is extended until 2023. African swine fever continues to constrain Philippine production, boosting import demand.
African Swine Fever Continues to Threaten the World (Feb 17)
African Swine Fever (ASF) is spreading again in the world, reports the German Agrarheute. New cases and outbreaks have appeared both in Europe and other parts of the globe. The first-ever case of ASF in a wild boar, reported by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in Singapore, is a complete surprise. The dead animal was found there in early February, and testing confirmed the virus. For Singapore, however, this is not an economic problem as there is no pig production. After 3 years of peace, a new case of ASF in wild boar has also been detected in Greece. The dead animal was found in the north of the country, near Serres, near the border with Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The disease was confirmed by tests and the World Organization for Animal Health. 3 years ago, in the same area, an outbreak of ASF was recorded in a herd of 30 pigs.
Europe
How Is the Pork Market? (Feb 14)
The price increases registered at the beginning of February in the northern European markets were confirmed in W6, as a result of a sharp drop in production coupled with demand, which, without being exceptional, has been gradually improving since the beginning of the month. In Germany, the price has risen USD 0.12 in W7, after an increase of USD 0.08 the previous week. Therefore, USD 0.20 in two weeks. The level of offers is very low since farmers are withholding the release of animals while waiting for prices to rise. The level of offers had not been this low since 2004. The latest statistics show that German pig production in 2022 decreased by 9.2% to 47.1M animals and 4.49 Mt (-9.8%).
Europe Proposes a Plan for the Early Detection of Zoonotic Pathogens in Pigs (Feb 15)
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the 'Proposal for a surveillance plan for the early detection of zoonotic pathogens in pigs and poultry'. This report summarizes the preparatory work carried out to develop proposals focused on combating two diseases: hepatitis E and swine flu. The authors explain that, under the EU4-Health Program, the European Commission allocated specific resources to Member States to establish a coordinated surveillance system under the 'One Health' approach for transboundary pathogens that threaten the Union. The objective of this coordinated surveillance is to expand existing surveillance and to establish 'One Health' surveillance.
Asia
Pork Exports to Asia in 2022 (Feb 13)
Pork exporters around the world had very different sales opportunities in Asia in 2022. While Japan and South Korea ordered more goods, imports from China and Hong Kong fell significantly. According to the umbrella organization of the Danish agri-food industry (L&F), based on current foreign trade data, imports of fresh and frozen pork to China have halved compared to 2021 to 1.47M MT. In 2022, a total of around 977.1K MT of fresh and frozen pork cuts were imported to Japan, 8.2% more than last year. South Korea's pork imports increased particularly sharply in 2022 by 111.2K MT, up 25.7% to 543.1K MT.
Spain
Importing Piglets From Central Europe Is Considered Dangerous (Feb 14)
As a measure against the introduction of African swine fever (ASF) to the Iberian Peninsula, the large Spanish farmers' association COAG has called for a reduction in imports of piglets from Central Europe. The farmers' association warned that the import of 200K piglets to Spain each month is equivalent to "Russian Roulette" for the sector. A single case of ASF can undo the great efforts of a sector that has managed to occupy a high position in the market. In the case of imports from abroad, the high level of biosecurity offered by Spanish pig farmers on their farms does not help either.
Spain Reaches New Record Hog Price (Feb 16)
Spain is the largest producer of pigs in Europe with about 2.6M sows. In W6, Spain set a new record hog market price of USD 1.91/kg (1.795 Euros) live weight. Like North America no one in Spain expects high prices in February, it is counter-seasonal. There is only one main reason Spain’s price has reached a record level and that is the decrease of hogs for slaughter in Spain and throughout Europe.
Spain’s Plans to Transform Into One of the Largest Pork Producing Countries (Feb 17)
Spain's plans to transform into one of the largest pork-producing countries in the world have helped accelerate the depopulation of one of its villages. The village of Balsa de Ves, which is about 100 km (60 miles) from the city of Valencia, fell victim to one European country's obsession. There was an explosion in the pig population in their village. There has been built an elongated pen on the outskirts of the village. The building is home to 3.9K sows, which produce around 100K piglets per year. Not only does it produce a lot of pigs, but it also produces an unbearable smell. As a result of the construction of the pig farms and the smell, not a few residents started leaving the village.
United States
US Hog Futures Hold Steady (Feb 13)
Hog futures were steady, with uncertainty about pork demand hanging over the market. Most-active April hogs were unchanged at USD 1,837.00/MT (USD 0.83325/lb), while June hogs also were flat at USD 2241.00/MT (USD 1.0165/lb). June hogs found technical support near the low end of their 20-day Bollinger range.
US Pork Exports Saw Record Shipments to Mexico in 2022 (Feb 13)
December pork exports 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 the third-largest on record at USD 7.68B, down 5% from the record achieved in 2021. Pork exports to Mexico posted another volume record in December at 90.18, up 13%. December export value was USD 198.3M, up 42% and the third highest on record. These results pushed 2022 exports to a record 959.7K MT, up 10% from a year ago, while export value soared 21% to USD 2.03B, topping the USD 2B mark for the first time.
Meat Prices in the US Have Slowly and Universally Crept Up (Feb 13)
From Feb 3 to Feb 10, the bovine meat and pork futures market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange moved in the same direction. Quotes for fattening and live-weight cattle and pork rose by 0.16% to 1.12%. The biggest growth is observed in pork quotes. The most active April pork futures lost USD 0.75 for the week, while June USD 0.35. Its export sales, according to the USDA, fell from 30.9K MT to 28K MT.
US Pork Outlook Addresses Production Challenges, Labor Issues (Feb 15)
The National Pork Producers Council recently published an economic update, providing a snapshot of the industry for the first quarter of 2023. The report summarizes how factors such as consumer demand, production costs, production expectations, and the ongoing labor shortage will impact the pork industry for the remainder of the year and beyond. With domestic demand for pork continuing to demonstrate positive growth for the past two years, on-farm hog values have remained positive, but that continued momentum hinges on inflation rates, job creation, hourly wages, pork price trends, and domestic consumption.
CME Hog Futures Closed Higher as Cash Hog Prices Firmed (Feb 15)
CME hog futures closed higher as cash hog prices firmed, a sign of tightening supplies. CME April hogs settled up USD 0.0090 at USD 1,923.53/MT (USD 0.87250 per pound), and June hogs rose USD 0.00575 to end at USD 2,310.99/MT (USD 1.04825). The CME Lean Hog Index, a two-day weighted average of cash hog prices, rose by USD 0.63 to USD 74.64. The USDA priced pork carcasses at USD 81.88 per cwt on Feb 14 afternoon, up USD 0.14 from Feb 13.
Midan Releases Report on Evolving Pork Shopping Habits in the US (Feb 16)
More than half of consumers eat pork weekly, and price continues to be the top attribute consumers consider when making pork purchasing decisions at retail, online, or in a foodservice environment, according to Midan’s newly released “Pork Attributes Report.” The US pork market, estimated at USD 876M in 2022, is set to reach USD 1.3B by 2027, according to ReportLinker.com, “Pork Meat Market Research Report by Product, Packaging, Application, Region,” 2023. For companies looking to capitalize on this estimated growth, understanding consumer buying habits is key.
USDA Develops Partnership to Protect Pork Sector From African Swine Fever (Feb 17)
As part of its continued efforts to prevent the introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) into the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a new partnership with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), National Pork Board, and National Pork Producers Council. Through enhanced coordination and information sharing, the four entities will work to improve ASF prevention and preparedness efforts.
US Pig Outlook; Lean Hog Futures Showing Signs of a Market Bottom (Feb 18)
US hog supplies are tightening and wholesale pork and cash hog prices have trended higher lately, even though the rate of gain hasn’t been great. The latest CME cash hog index quote is USD 75.62. Hog and pork prices to advance in the coming days and weeks ahead. Having last week’s kill fall below the comparable year-ago figure for the first time this year was a big step in that direction. It will help the bulls if forthcoming slaughter rates match the implicit USDA forecast of supplies consistently falling 2% below year-ago levels. Pork cutout has also risen about USD 5.40 from the Jan. 17 low of USD 77.44. While consumer and grocer demand for most cuts may not prove strong with Lent looming, industry demand for hams to be featured for Easter dinner should provide solid support. Demand for the other cuts should surge as Easter (on April 9), and the unofficial start of grilling season, nears.
Germany
Surveyed the Central Area in the District of Meiben in Saxony (Feb 16)
The Free State of Saxony raised the core zone of the District of Meiben defined for African Swine Fever (ASF) control. Since May 2022, no cases of ASF have been officially detected in this area. The zone includes parts of the Municipalities of Ebersbach, Lampertswalde, Radeburg, Schönfeld, and Thiendorf in the District of Meiben and the Municipality of Laubnitz in the District of Bautzen. With the suppression of this zone, preventive measures for agriculture and citizens are no longer applied.
Exceptionally High Number of Pig Farmers Stop Producing in Germany (Feb 17)
The number of pig farmers who stop producing is still exceptionally high in Germany. At the same time, the number of pigs continues to fall sharply. Between November 2021 and November 2022, the German pig herd shrank by more than 10%, down by 2.4M animals. This is the smallest pig herd in at least 30 years, with 12% fewer sows. This is evident from the results of the livestock census from November last. The association of pig farmers (ISN) spoke months ago of an 'unprecedented multiple crises on this scale'; an interplay of corona consequences, African swine fever, cost explosion, export problems, and the social pressure on the sector.
Denmark
Denmark’s Lowest Pig Population in 25 Years (Feb 15)
According to the National Statistical Office, only 11.54M pigs were kept in Denmark according to a representative survey on January 1, 2023. It was 1.61M animals, 12.2% more than in the previous year and less than a year earlier. During the autumn inventory in October 2022, the number of animals decreased by 9.9% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the Danish pig herd fell to its lowest level in 25 years in January. According to a sample survey, 1,570 farms had fewer animals across all categories. The relative decrease was the strongest in the number of fatteners by 16.6%, up to 2.72M units.
Denmark to Exercise Greater Control Over Tail Docking (Feb 15)
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration will visit 400 pig farms between January and July this year to see if pig farmers have done enough to prevent tail biting among their animals. Tail docking will only be allowed if the producer has written documentation that efforts are being made to reduce tail eating.
Pig Weaners Prices in Denmark Continue to Rise (Feb 16)
On the Danish stock exchange there were again increases in prices for weaners. This is the fifth week of growth. Negative PRRS piglets were valued at USD 88.64/head (DKK 620.00), and PRRS positive piglets at USD 85.78/head (DKK 600.00). The rates apply to weaners weighing 30 kg. Compared to prices in the same period last year (W8), the current prices for weaners are USD 57.19/head (DKK 400) higher. depending on health status. In turn, compared to last week, the current rates are higher by USD 2.14/unit (DKK 15) in all health statuses. The rate for weaners with negative PRRS status is USD 88.64/unit (DKK 620.00) compared to USD 86.13/unit (PLN 385.02) last week. The rate for weaners with a positive PRRS status is USD 85.78/unit (DKK 600.00) compared to USD 83.28/unit (PLN 372.29) last week.
Netherlands
How Is the Dutch Pig Doing Now? (Feb 17)
Almost six years after the kick-off of the fifth pillar under the Vitalization of Pig Farming action plan, the Holland Varken chain quality system is becoming reality. The information system has been set up and the first pilots have been carried out. Holland Varken can run at the end of 2024.
Brazil
Pork Exports Evolve in Prices in Early February (Feb 13)
According to information from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) of the Federal Government, released on Feb 13, exports of fresh, frozen pork meat in the eight working days of February reached more than 47% of the total collected throughout February 2022. The revenue obtained from pork exports up to this point in the month totaled USD 65K, representing 47.16% of the amount obtained in February 2022, which was USD 137.81K. In the case of volume shipped, 26.201M MT have been exported, 40.9% of the total registered in February last year, amounting to 64.008M MT.
Swine Farmers in Brazil Won in a New Readjustment (Feb 13)
Pig farmers pleaded for better marketing conditions based on the well-adjusted availability of live pigs in slaughter conditions, which culminated in a new readjustment on the last day of business in W6. The readjustment, 1st of the week, 2nd of the month, and 3rd of the year, raised the average price of live hogs to 13.8%, 50.5%, and 19.5% higher than those practiced, respectively, in the same period of last January and same day last year and the year before. The market tends to continue showing a firm environment with limited offers of barley from pig farmers.
Embrapa Updates Technical Coefficients Used in Production Cost Estimates for Pigs (Feb 16)
Embrapa Suínos e Aves updated the technical coefficients for chickens and pork that have an impact on production cost estimates and the respective indices (ICPFrango and ICPSuíno) published by the Poultry and Pork Intelligence Center. For pigs, the main changes were the reduction in feed conversion from 2.8kg to 2.5kg of feed per kg live (-12%), the increase in final weight from 110kg to 125kg live (+14%), and the increase in sow productivity from 25.1 piglets to 28.6 piglets weaned per sow and year (+13%). The cost of pig production in Santa Catarina in January 2023 was estimated at USD 1.35/ live kg (BRL 6.98), which represents a variation of -13.5% compared to the previous month.
Pork Shipments to China Fell 13.5% In 2022 (Feb 16)
The recovery in the pork production herd has allowed China to be less dependent on foreign products and, as a result, the main importing countries have reduced their volumes for that consumer market. Monthly monitoring of pork shipments to China shows that Brazil has benefited greatly in recent years, with a large increase in volume. In 2018, the average volume for the Chinese market reached just 13K MT/month, rising to just over 44K MT in 2021. However, in 2022, it reached an average volume of 38K MT/month, meaning an annual decrease of 13.5%.
Average Daily Price in Brazil Increases by 18.1% During February (Feb 17)
Monitoring carried out by SuiSite indicates an increase of 18.1% in the average daily price during the month, well above the 14.1% of last year and the 4.9% indicated in the history of the last 13 years. The more adjusted availability of live hogs allowed pig farmers to achieve good marketing conditions during the first fortnight and, as a result, the average price showed a much higher evolution than those achieved in the same period last year and the historical average.
Mexico
Record-Breaking Pork Exports to Mexico (Feb 13)
Pork exports continued to gain momentum in December, led by another outstanding performance in Mexico. 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.
Mexico Expands Market for Brazilian Pork, Allowing Fresh Protein to Enter the Country (Feb 14)
In mid-November of 2022, Mexico and Brazil signed a commercial partnership so that the North American country could import Brazilian pork, produced in Santa Catarina. However, the agreement provided for the need for thermal processing of the protein. Now, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), after work by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, as well as his ministerial team, the Embassy and Adidancia in Mexico City, the permission for the export of fresh pork meat leaving Santa Catarina for Mexico.
Poland
The Polish Pig Census Falls Due to ASF (Feb 13)
In two years, the Polish pig herd has been reduced by 2.10M animals, almost 19% less. This strong contraction is mainly caused by the ASF virus, which has been active in the country for a long time. This virus, in combination with poor economic results, is a reason for many pig farmers to stop doing so. Poland expects a growing shortage of piglets in Europe, which will translate into high prices. Recent publications from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS) show that, at the beginning of December 2022, 9.62M pigs were being raised in Poland and it was 6% less than in 2020. The total census has been reduced by 18%, representing 2.1M pigs.
Meat Market in Poland (Feb 14)
On Jan 23-29, in meat plants monitored under the Integrated Agricultural Market Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the price of pigs was in the range of USD 1.61/kg (PLN 7.17) and was lower by 2% than the week before and by 4.5% than last month. At the same time, livestock was 66% more expensive than a year ago. On the domestic market, half-carcasses of pork were sold at USD 2.36/kg (PLN 10.51), which is 2% cheaper than in the previous week and 5% cheaper than a month earlier. This assortment was 57% more expensive than a year ago.
United Kingdom
The National Pig Association Calls for Action From DEFRA on Pork Supply Chain Review in the UK (Feb 13)
The NPA has called on Defra to ‘push forward without delay’ with its review of the pork supply chain to help deliver lasting reform and a fairer trading environment for struggling pig producers. The association has stressed that, after two years of multiple crises that have seen the sector rack up cumulative losses of over USD 799.28M (£750M) while other parts of the chain have posted handsome profits, things cannot continue as they are. More than 350 responses were submitted to Defra’s consultation on contractual practice in the pig supply chain last autumn, most of which were from producers.
2022 Pork Yearly Trade Review (Feb 16)
Imports of pig meat exceeded 63.5K MT in December 2022. This was 10% (6.73K MT) down in November and an 8% decrease from December 2021 (5.75K MT). Monthly import volumes generally eased as we moved through 2022. Imports of pig meat totaled 801.5K MT for 2022. There was a 9% increase in the volume of imports compared to 2021, representing an increase of 69K MT.
Pig Prices Rise to New Highs as Supplies Tighten Further as Well as in Europe (Feb 16)
Pig prices have increased again to a new record high as supply numbers continue to tighten in the UK. The EU-spec SPP increased yet again during the week ended 11 February, this time by 1.45p to reach a high of 206.39p/kg. Following W6's modest 0.16p increase, it has now risen by more than 6p over the past five weeks. The SPP is now nearly 68p ahead of where it was a year ago. Meanwhile, the APP gained 2.31p to reach 209.74p/kg in the week ended 4 February, after a small increase the previous week. The gap between the two price averages widened to nearly 4.8p.
Russia
Meat Consumption in Russia Reached a Record in 2022 (Feb 14)
Pork consumption increased most noticeably by almost 5.9% compared to the previous year, to 29.8kg per person per year. The figure was a record over the past 30 years, the NSS noted, and the share of pork in total consumption reached 37.5%. The main reason for the growing popularity of pork among Russians is its cost, explained Yury Kovalev, general director of the NSS. According to him, wholesale prices for pig products decreased by 5-7% on average over the year, while retail prices showed “no growth”.
China
Consuming Half of the World’s Pork, China Built a 26-Story Building Just to Raise Pigs (Feb 13)
At the end of September 2022, the first 3.7K sows were moved to a 26-story building located in a village in Ezhou City, Hubei Province, China. Dozens of sows at a time are loaded into industrial elevators to move to higher floors, where they will be cared for until insemination and adulthood. According to the New York Times, this is a pig farm consisting of two 26-story buildings with an area of 400K m2, with a total investment of more than USD 570M. With modern processes and technology, it is estimated that it can provide 108K MT of meat per year.
China Replenishes 20K MT of Pork Reserves to Stabilize the Market (Feb 17)
China's top economic planner said on Feb 17 it would stockpile 20K MT of frozen pork to replenish state reserves, as an index monitoring pork prices have dropped below the warning level. The index, the national average of pork prices against grain prices, has fallen 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.
Sichuan Junlian County Develops the Pig Industry and Stabilizes the Meat Plate of the Masses (Feb 17)
Junlian County is a major national-level live pig exporting county. It aims to expand the scale of the industry and set up a special team for attracting investment in the breeding industry. Optimize breeding services through the invitation of experts from the Science and Technology Department and grassroots agricultural technology. Expand product benefits like guiding farmers to introduce fine varieties such as Yanan black pigs and Tibetan pigs, and improve the quality of live pigs through "running mountains for stocking and extending the cycle".
Chinese Restrictions for Colombian Beef and Pork Imports Lifted (Feb 18)
In W7, China announced lifting the restrictions on Colombian beef and pork. The news represents progress in the admission of beef and pork exports to China, which are not enabled yet. Colombia recovered the sanitary status of a country free of Aftosa Fever with vaccination in 2020 after approving all the conditions established by the World Organization for Animal Health, OMSA.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Reports African Swine Fever Outbreak at Farm (Feb 13)
According to a report published by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on Feb 13, Hong Kong reported an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) at a farm near the border with mainland China. Samples taken from a local pig farm tested positive for the virus and 45 pigs have died from the outbreak, WOAH said in the report, citing Hong Kong authorities. Five pig farms within 3 KM of the farm were inspected and no abnormalities were found. The movement of pigs on these farms has also been suspended and samples from pigs will be tested, WOAH said.
Thailand
Thai Pork Gets Ganged Up on the Table Both Wild Pigs and Pigs From Neighboring Countries (Feb 16)
Thai pigs are still in the loop of problems. After battling with the ASF epidemic in 2022 until having to destroy both mother pigs and fattening pigs throughout the country, not less than 50% of the total production of Thailand and still unable to restore 100% of the yield until now. The key factor that makes pig farmers afraid to bring in a new round of pigs is "illegitimate pigs" which are smuggled and sold at a price lower than the cost of Thai pork. The price of Thai pork has been so depressed and unstable that farmers have difficulty selling their produce. And there is a chance that illicit pigs will become carriers of ASF to spread again, it is highly possible.
Vietnam
Live Hog Price in Vietnam (Feb 19)
Feb 19 live hog prices in Vietnam varied between USD 2.06/kg and USD 2.23/kg (VND 49-53K VND). In the North, market hogs were trading at USD 2.10-2.18/kg (VND 50-52K). The Central and Central Highlands regions were purchasing around USD 2.06-2.18/kg (VND 49-52K). The whole South continues to trade around the threshold of USD 2.10-2.23/kg (VND 50-53K).
Argentina
They Will Allocate USD 1.2B for Pig Sector to Offset the Mismatch of the Soybean Dollar (Feb 13)
After the announcements made for chicken meat and dairy, the Government continues with the policy of subsidies to the productions that were impacted by the rise in the grain used in pig feed. Resolution 115/2023 of the Ministry of Economy published on Feb 13 in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic (BORA) informs that pig activity will receive a USD 1.2B subsidy. This comes after the USD 2.2B that had been announced for chicken meat production at the end of W6, and is related to the implementation of the "soybean dollar".
Argentina’s General Indicators for the Pig Sector in 2022 (Feb 15)
There was a strong increase in pork consumption, which was supported by the increase in national production and the decrease in international trade in both imports and exports. The slaughter of pigs was 7.67M heads (cb), a figure that means a growth of 2.4% compared to the total for 2021 (7.48M). Pork production grew by 3.9% YoY, from 695.94K MT to 723.38K MT. As for international trade, the volume of imports stood at 40.21K MT, which means a decrease of 3.7% compared to 2021 (41.74K MT), with exports falling 68.5% compared to the previous year, from 30.12K MT to 9.48K MT respectively.
Singapore
First Case of African Swine Fever Declared in the Country (Feb 13)
According to the OIE report, through continuous bio-surveillance in Singapore, a dead wild boar was found in a natural park in the northwest of the country on February 5, 2023, whose analyzes were positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). This is the first case of the disease registered in that country. Singapore has no pig production, nor are pigs kept as pets. Singapore has pigs in captivity only in zoos and these are being monitored.
Bulgaria
Inflation in Bulgaria Surrounds Only These Two Food Products (Feb 16)
Food inflation in Bulgaria hіt а 23-уеаr rесоrd hіgh, whіlе роrk and bean рrісеѕ bаrеlу budgеd іn 2022. Ассоrdіng tо ѕtаtіѕtісѕ, роrk рrісеѕ remained ѕtаblе in 2022. Аt thе bеgіnnіng оf thе уеаr, thе аvеrаgе рrісе wаѕ USD 5.19/kg (ВGN 9.53). Іn thе fоllоwіng mоnthѕ, іt еvеn ѕlіghtlу dесrеаѕеd аnd іn Арrіl іt rеасhеd the level of USD 5.01/kg (ВGN 9.20). Тhіѕ іѕ followed by a period of рrісе ѕtаbіlіzаtіоn аrоund thе level of USD 5.07/kg (ВGN 9.30). Іn Ѕерtеmbеr, а ѕhоrt-tеrm іnсrеаѕе іn thе рrісе waѕ оbѕеrvеd. Аt thе еnd оf thе уеаr, thе рrісе оf роrk was USD 5.05/kg (ВGN 9.27).
Ukraine
More Than 34K Farm Animals Were Identified in Ukraine’s Kirovohrad Oblast in 2022 (Feb 16)
In 2022, 11.3K cattle, 22.2K commercial pigs, 302 goats, and 309 sheep were identified in the Kirovohrad Region. This was reported by the State Production and Consumer Service. A total of 46K heads of cattle were registered in farms of all forms of ownership in the Kirovohrad region; 198.7 pig heads; 14.5K sheep and goats heads.
Paraguay
Paraguay Completes First Shipment of Pork to Taiwan (Feb 14)
The first export of high-quality Paraguayan pork to the Republic of China (Taiwan) was concluded after the market was released by the government of the Asian country following the approval process. This is a shipment of 72K kg of pork cuts, including ham, loin, and bacon, among others. With the historic departure, this destination is officially inaugurated, which has a potential of 100K MT, which is distributed between Spain, Canada, the United States, and now Paraguay. Paraguay manages to export pork to Taiwan for the first time.
Nicaragua
Nicaragua Records 3.5% Growth in Pork Production (Feb 13)
The Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), detailed on Feb 10 that the country registered a significant increase of 3.5% in the production of pork, reducing dependence on having to import this item. "It should also be noted that Nicaragua reduced its imports of pork meat by 38% compared to the previous year, the production of chicken meat showed growth of 7.6%, today we have a production of almost 154.22K MT (340M pounds)," said Isidro Rivera, head of the MAG.
Moldova
African Swine Fever Outbreaks Detected in Two Villages in Southern Moldova (Feb 15)
Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been identified in the villages of Tomai and Covurlui in southern Moldova. This was reported on Feb 15 by the National Agency for Food Safety of Moldova. "The Republican Center for Veterinary Diagnostics, through laboratory tests, confirmed the presence of African swine fever virus in samples taken from domestic pigs from four households in the villages of Tomai and Kovurlui, Leovsky district," the message says. The agency urged not to hide cases of livestock infection.