W1: Weekly Pork Update
Global
Overview of the Pork Market in the World, Main Trends in the Sector (Jan 3)
According to the USDA (2022) in 2023, world pork production will increase by around 1% to 111M MT, as Chinese production is recovering from the impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF), and is expected to grow by 2%. But there are still concerns about the impact of high feed costs on pig production. Other producing countries such as the United States, Mexico and Brazil are signaling an expansion in production, and are taking advantage of the reduced production capacity of other producers such as the European Union and the United Kingdom. Pig farming has shown high levels of productivity because the producer is investing in technology, genetics, management and infrastructure, contributing to a better management of the production chain. Producers in European Union countries suffer from rising feed prices, high energy costs and environmental issues.
Europe
The Situation of EU Pig Producers in the New Year Is Still Uncertain (Jan 2)
According to the analysis of PKO BP experts, according to Eurostat data, the decline in pig production in the EU deepened in the third quarter of 2022 where slaughter of pigs (slaughter weight) was lower by 7.1% on an annual basis, compared to a decrease by 3.9%YoY in the second quarter of the year. The largest reductions concerned Germany, Poland, Denmark and Spain, which defended itself against declines for a long time. The lower supply is a consequence of the long-term low profitability of production, which was reflected in both increases in feed prices and low selling prices (lasting until the middle of the first quarter), resulting from low demand on third markets, mainly in China. FAO estimates that global pork production in 2022 will increase by 1.8% YoY (+2.2M MT), mainly due to China, where an increase of as much as 6.9%YoY, by 3. 7M MT.
In 2022, Pork Price in Europe Reached the Highest Average in the Entire History of the MPB (Jan 3)
Traditionally, price fixing in some European countries such as Germany or Spain was suspended the last week of the year and will not resume until the first days of January. Despite the intense slaughter activity carried out during the first weeks of December to meet orders for the end-of-year celebrations, certain prices remained stable until the last days of 2022, as in Germany or Spain, while others ( Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark) have come under strong pressure from slaughterhouses. The slowdown in activity observed over the past two weeks should not generate too many slaughter postponements due to the overall decline in the European herd and the favorable position of public holidays at the end of the week.
EU Pork Production to Continue Its Decline, With Smaller Herd (Jan 6)
Another year of decline is expected for pork production in 2023, after a sharp 5% drop in 2022. Rabobank expects pork production in the EU27+UK to contract by about 3% YoY in 2023. Negative producer margins led the sow herd to contract during 2022, given high feed costs and low piglet prices in an oversupplied market. In June 2022, the sow herd was 5% smaller YoY in the eight major producing countries of the EU27, with the sharpest declines in Poland (-17%), Germany (-9%), and Denmark (-7%), noted a Rabobank publication in December. England recorded a 17% reduction in its sow herd in the same period, which will lead to a 10% decline in UK pork production in 2023, reported the analysts.
Pig Production in the EU Shrinks in First Half Year (Jan 6)
There will be a decrease in pig herds throughout Europe, even in Spain. Spanish pig production is expected to fall by about 3% in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022. This is a significant change, since the first half of 2022 still saw an increase of 2% compared to 2021. The reason is the hot summer and problems due to the Rosalia variant of the PRRS virus. Ifip's analysts expect the drop to be only temporary, as the Spaniards can consolidate their position in the European market in the medium term given the prospects of decline in the main producing countries. This will maintain demand for pork products. German production is expected to fall further by 2.3% in the first half of the year. Germany is struggling with an economic crisis, high prices for raw materials, African swine fever.
United States
The Number of Pigs in the US Continues to Decline (Jan 2)
According to the USDA, on December 1, 2022, a total of 73.12M pigs were bred in the US, which was 1.33M, 1.8% less than in the previous year. This means that the downward trend in hog stocks has continued since late 2020. The last time the U.S. pig population was lower than it is now was in 2017. The strongest decreases compared to the previous year were found in the last census in piglets up to 23 kg and weaners up to 54 kg. They decreased by about 2% to 21.53M units and 18.62M, respectively. The stock of fatteners over 54 kg decreased by about 1.9% to 27.19M units. Compared to 2021, there was a slight increase in the number of sows by 0.5%. With 6.15M sows, this was approximately the same number of sows as on September 1, 2022.
Quotes of Pork and Beef Fell on the CME Exchange (Jan 2)
From December 23 to December 30, the cattle and pork futures market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange developed in the same direction. Although during the week the quotations of pork and cattle meat were not stable, but by the end of the week they went down sharply and turned out to be lower than the values recorded as of December 23.
University of Connecticut Collaborates With USDA to Develop an African Swine Fever Vaccine (Jan 3)
African swine fever (ASF), a virus that rapidly infects domestic and wild pigs, could decimate pork-producing economies. Within a year, the disease hit China with a loss equivalent to one percent of its GDP. In response to the spread of the virus from its origins in sub-Saharan Africa to other continents, scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Connecticut (UConn) have developed candidate vaccines considered “promising” by independent researchers. The ASFV-G-ΔMGF vaccine candidate was one such candidate and was recently licensed for commercial development by Zoetis, an offshoot of medical company Pfizer and the world's largest producer of animal pharmaceuticals. UConn Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) worked with the USDA to facilitate an agreement that would allow the USDA to negotiate licenses with animal health companies like Zoetis that may eventually bring this vaccine to market.
US Pork Exports Build Momentum (Jan 6)
November exports of US pork were the largest of 2022 in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork exports reached 245.66K MT in November, up 3% from a year ago, while export value climbed 10% to USD 725.1M. In both volume and value, exports were the highest since May 2021.
Germany
Pig Farms Are Stagnating (Jan 5)
It seems that the market on the other side of the Oder River has not yet recovered from the Christmas malaise. The lack of an impulse to increase prices was reflected in the January 4 session of the "big stock exchange". It ended with the same result as the previous five sessions. This means that at least until next Wednesday, the recommended price of fattening pigs in Germany will be USD 2.15/kg (EUR 2.00) of fattening pig in post-slaughter weight (57% meat content, equivalent to our E class).
Canada
Global Market Report of Canada in December, 2022 (Jan 3)
Canadian producers, like much of the world currently, are dealing with high feed prices. This is impacting profitability despite high retail pork prices. There seem to be little to no actual expansion of the sow herd due to expensive building costs and a pork market that isn’t very ecstatic. 2023 should see high pork prices again and feed costs will hopefully come down some so producers can be profitable. 2022 saw Canadian crop production rebound from a poor 2021. Wheat exports were 15Mt in 2021 and 26Mt this year, a 73% increase. This influx of wheat in Canada and to the world is positive news in an increasingly volatile market.
Netherlands
Farm-to-table pork price rises 12%, but is it enough? (Jan 4)
The consumer price for pork reached 132 points in September, equal to the July level, but a sharp increase compared to the 116 points in January 2022. The industrial price has risen by 1 percent since July to 141 points, while the farm price increased by 12 percent to 161 points. The increases are related to more expensive feed and energy. Price development in the store In the past, the consumer price was fairly constant at around 100 points. However, that has changed since 2019. In the second half of 2019, the level rose to an average of 111 points, and in 2020 to an average of 116 points. This was in response to strong demand for pork from China, which led to more expensive retail purchases. The index fell to 112 points at the end of 2022, but then started a steady rise to 118 points in February 2022. In response to rising energy and commodity prices, partly due to the war in Ukraine, the index rose to a level around 130 points.
Brazil
High Pork Prices in China Led to Higher Revenues From Brazilian Protein Exports in December 2022 (Jan 2)
According to information from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) of the Federal Government, released in January 2, exports of fresh, frozen pork meat in the 22 working days of December recorded a strong increase in revenue both in relation to December 2021 and to November 2022. The revenue obtained from meat exports up to the end of the month, USD 236.44M, increased by 32.12% over the amount obtained in December 2021, which was USD 178.95M.
Pork Prices in Brazilian Market Fell on January 3 (Jan 3)
Prices in the pork market recorded retreats on January 3. According to an analysis by Cepea/Esalq, the scenario for the end of 2022 showed weakened demand and accelerated production, increasing domestic supply and putting pressure on prices. In São Paulo, according to Scot Consultoria, the CIF pork arroba dropped by 3.50%/2.72%, reaching USD 26.54/USD 27.50 (R$ 138.00/R$ 143.00), while special carcass rose between 2.59%/2.73%, worth USD 2.17/USD 2.06/kg (R$11.30/R$10.70).
Peru Effectively Opens the Market for Pork From Brazil (Jan 4)
In the last week of 2022, Peruvian health authorities approved the first Brazilian establishment for the export of pork to the Andean country. The authorization is the final step towards the start of sales of the Brazilian product to Peru, which had already opened its doors to the Brazilian sector with the definition in 2021 of an International Health Certificate (CSI). The authorization for exports to the South American country is effective after the conclusion of the individual qualification process of the establishments, in the case of the qualified production unit, located in Acre (a state bordering Peru), it was concluded after a long negotiation between the two countries.
Export Performance of Beef, Chicken, and Pork in 2022 (Jan 4)
With just over 1.014M MT, pork meat, which had ended the first half of the year with a reduction of more than 8% in shipped volume, completed the year with practically the same volume as a year ago (reduction of only 0.09%). And, if not completely, the average price also recovered (reduction of almost 10% at the end of the first half; reduction of less than 2.5% at the end of the year). Even so, it did not obtain a full recovery in revenue, which fell 2.69% in the year.
Increased Domestic and Foreign Demand Should Leverage the Pork Market in 2023 (Jan 5)
Even with the economic uncertainties that permeate the world market in 2023, the expectation is that the Brazilian pork sector will grow this year. According to Cepea researchers, the foundation comes from possible increases in internal and, above all, external demands. In Brazil, purchasing power tends to remain fragile, which, in turn, ends up heating up domestic demand for pork, which is more competitive compared to others, such as beef.
In Brazil, Swine Farmers Absorb Casualties Earlier This Year (Jan 6)
Even without taking into account the receipt of wages from the active population, pork consumption shows the cooling down of the period and, with that, the sale of live pigs to pig farmers presents the consequences of this fragile environment with the first closings for slaughter next week pointing to price declines. The result of the new low, the 2nd of the week, of the month and of the year, is an average price of live hog that shows increases of 3.6% over the same period of last December and 21.3% over the same period last year's day. In the short term, there is no favorable expectation for pig farmers in the marketing of barley until surplus stocks in retail trade show a reduction. Until then, the pressure from refrigerators for better conditions should prevail due to additional offers from inside and outside the State. Thus, it appears to be difficult for pig farmers to sustain prices.
France
Reduction of Pig Slaughter in November (Jan 6)
In November 2022, the average pork price in France fell by USD 0.16/kg (€0.15) in a month. The base price was USD 2.18/kg (€2.03), which is 46.5% higher than last year's price (and +36% compared to the 2017-2021 average). Swine slaughter remained stable throughout the year in terms of number of heads and weight. However, these figures are 4% lower than the 2017-2021 average. Overall, hog slaughter activity declined for the sixth straight month compared to the five-year average.
Mexico
In Mexico, Pork Imports Grew 9.1% Between January and November (Jan 5)
With reference to the month of November, preliminary data on international trade indicate that exports of pork meat decreased by 11.6% in relation to the same period of the previous year, from 241.22K to 213.31K MT. The value of exports stood at MUSD 865.2, decreasing 8.3% compared to the same period in 2021. The average export price reached USD 4,056/MT, a number that represents an increase of 3.6% in comparison to the 2021 average.
Poland
There Were Declines in Purchases of Fatteners (Jan 3)
The period of Christmas price stabilization is behind us. In the last two weeks, most slaughterhouses had a Christmas break, so there was no impulse to change prices. Unfortunately, the new year did not start well for breeders. The prices of both live pigs and pigs sold in warm slaughter weight decreased. Fortunately, the corrections are not large, but this situation certainly does not fill breeders with optimism. Prices of fatteners in post-slaughter weight, according to survey, fatteners sold in post-slaughter weight (class E) cost USD 2.16/kg (PLN 9.42) on average in W1, which was USD 0.14 (PLN 0.6) less than before Christmas. Prices ranged from USD 2.04 to USD 2.20/kg (PLN 8.90 to PLN 9.60). Prices of pigs in live weight, a greater decrease was recorded in the case of fatteners sold in live weight.
United Kingdom
UK and German Pig Herds Record Declines (Jan 4)
The UK breeding pig herd decreased by 15.2% due to the loss of 56K sows in the sow herd, which stands at 342.8K head. The number of sows and gilts decreased by 11.7% and 22.4%, respectively, while the number of gilts destined for first breeding decreased by 21.3%. This data collected by AHDB in one of its reports explains these strong declines as the reason for the impact caused by the harsh conditions suffered by the sector, with producers leaving the sector or contracting their herds in response to the continuous negative margins of the farms. The number of fattening pigs also decreased by 54K head to 4.77M animals.
UK Pork Trade Continues Trending Upwards in October (Jan 5)
Imports of pork to the UK totaled 67.7K MT in October. This is a 12% increase from September and up 8% compared to October last year. Fresh/frozen pork continues to hold the largest share of volume at 27.9K MT, however this is 5% lower than volumes seen for the category for the same month in 2021. Strong increases continue in the processed, sausage and bacon categories where volumes are up 44%, 23% and 11% respectively YoY.
Standard pig price in United Kingdom ends the year at a new record high (Jan 6)
GB deadweight pig prices saw marginal gains in December with the EU-spec SPP averaging 200.59p/kg for the four weeks ending 31 December, up 0.29p/kg compared to the previous 4-week period. Prices increased each week with the SPP reaching a new record high of 201.24p/kg in the final week of the year. The APP however recorded a marginal decline, averaging 204.68p/kg for the four weeks ending 24 December, down 0.36p/kg compared to previous period. Weekly movements were mixed with stability in week 1 and growth in week 3 outweighed by declines in weeks 2 and 4.
Fish Oil Product Rich in Mono- And Diglycerides Boosts Weaned Piglet Productivity (Jan 6)
Supplementation of weaned piglet diets with a fish oil processing fraction increased weight gain during the transition period, finds a study from Spain. The team assessed the use of a fish oil product rich in mono- and diglycerides (FOMG) and containing 0.069 g/g of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids to see whether it would improve piglet health and productive performance during the post-weaning stage. The increase in growth seen was partially explained by better feed intake. But the researchers, all based at the University of Zaragosa, said the pigs fed 15g/kg DM of the FOMG also showed health improvements, based on multiple parameters. In addition, they saw that such supplementation exerted positive modulatory effects on the gut microbiota.
Hungary
Hungarian Potatoes May Disappear This Month, and Pork May Become More Expensive (Jan 4)
Stocks have run out, so Hungarian potatoes will disappear from stores as early as January, and imports can only be purchased much more expensively, agricultural economist György Raskó said. The expert also warned that the price of pork could rise by as much as 80%, mainly due to the price set by the state. Raskó sees that there may be a shortage of these products, since after domestic stocks run out, resellers can only buy them from abroad, but the import wholesale price is much higher, which will cause them significant losses. The Hungarian National Trade Association, whose members include CBA, Príma, Reál and Norbi Update, asked the government the other day to immediately remove food price caps.
Russia
Pork Production Will Continue to Grow This Year in Russia (Jan 8)
In the coming year, the National Union of Pig Breeders (NSS) expects an increase in pork production by at least 5%. This will guarantee stagnation, and, possibly, a further decline in prices for this type of meat, Yury Kovalev, general director of the NSS, told Agroinvestor. According to Kovalev, last year the main event for pig production was the decline in grain prices in the second half of the year due to a huge harvest, reduced exports and a stable ruble, it fell by a third compared to the first half of 2022. “This stopped the growth in the cost of pork production, which was observed in the first half of 2022, and made it possible to maintain the profitability of the pig industry against the backdrop of a decrease in wholesale prices for pork,” the head of the union notes.
Italy
The Real Sardinian Suckling Pig Can Now Return to Italian Tables (Jan 5)
The 11-year embargo is over. The "porcetto sardo" a symbol of Sardinian agro-pastoral cuisine - can return to tables beyond Sardinia. That is, in national and European ones. After the go-ahead (arrived from Brussels) which cancels the provision passed in 2011 to counter the spread of African swine fever, new scenarios and new markets are opening up for foods that characterize typical Sardinian cuisine. The end of a story that lasted eleven years and which had serious consequences in the regional economy as exports of local products were severely limited.
China
In order to implement the "Regulations on the Management of Live Pig Slaughtering" and clarify the review procedures and requirements for the establishment of designated pig slaughtering plants (fields), the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, on the basis of public solicitation of opinions, formulated the "Pig Slaughtering Plants (Farms) Setting Review Measures ( Draft for Comments) has been revised and improved, and is now open to the public for comments again. Pig slaughtering Factory (Farm) Establishment Review Measures Chapter 1 General Provisions Article 1 [Basis for Formulation] In order to standardize the review of the establishment of designated pig slaughtering factories (farms) and strengthen the management of pig slaughter, according to the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Animal Husbandry" and "Law of the People's Republic of China on Administrative Licensing" ", "Regulations on the Administration of Live Pig Slaughter" and other laws and regulations to formulate these measures.
On December 27, 2022, Xu Xuyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Provincial Animal Husbandry and Aquatic Affairs Center, and all staff from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department went to the Provincial Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute to investigate and inspect the Hunan Breeding Pig Performance Measurement Center and Hunan Provincial Livestock and Poultry Gene Bank, and held themed party day activities. Xu Xuyang and his party visited the digital pig growth performance testing house, germplasm resource bank, germplasm resource exhibition hall, automatic slaughtering line and meat quality evaluation laboratory, and listened to the ongoing report on the slaughtering and meat quality determination of the new Guangyi black pig breed. Xu Xuyang fully affirmed the work done by the Provincial Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Research Institute in livestock breeding, modern animal husbandry technology research and promotion.
Scientists in China Reverse Erectile Dysfunction in Pigs (Jan 5)
Chinese scientists have taken a promising step in repairing injuries by using artificial tissue to restore penile function in pigs and it promises to be used in humans in the future. The study, published in the journal Matter, showed how an artificial sheet of tissue, which mimics the characteristics of real penile tissue, can be used to help animals suffering from infertility. The researchers developed an artificial non-modeled dense connective tissue (ATA) capsule, or tunica albuginea, based on polyvinyl alcohol, with a fiber structure similar to that of natural tissue, with no risk of rejection.
China Will Import About 2M MT of Pork Every Year (Jan 6)
According to the Import and Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), in 2023, China's pork imports are expected to increase again when Covid control measures are eased and demand increases. While volumes are not expected to be the same as in 2021, they will be higher than in 2022. Reports estimate that China's total pork imports (including offal) will stabilize over the next few years, at around 2M MT/year. This means that China will be about 95% self-sufficient, meeting its food security goals. With the above import volume, China will still be the world's largest pork importer.
Thailand
Chalermchai Discusses Pig Board Overseeing the Pig Market in Thailand (Jan 5)
Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives presided over the meeting of the Pig and Product Development Policy Committee (Pig Board), where the meeting acknowledged the situation of pig production, marketing in the third quarter of 2022 (July-September), and export of live pigs and products in the first 9 months of 2022. Total value USD 330M (2.264B baht), starting with live pig exports in the second quarter of 2022, importing swine products during the first 9 months of 2022, total value USD 280M (1.916B baht).
National Swine Farmers Association Live Pig Market Situation Report in Front of the Farm (Jan 6)
The price of fattening pigs is 96-100 baht per kilogram. As for piglets weighing 16 kg per pig, the price is USD 102.01 (3,400 baht) plus / minus USD 2.88. According to the state of the sales of fattening pigs across the country, the price remained strong. There is an adjustment to the actual trading price in many areas, with an average plus USD 0.06/kg (2 baht). Cumulative output decreased. There are fewer large pigs traded in the live pig market. The trend is upward during the week leading up to Chinese New Year, January 22, 2023.
Vietnam
Food to Meet the Needs of Tet Holiday (Jan 3)
According to the Department of Livestock Production, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the country's total pig herd is about 28.6M heads which completely meet the demand on Tet holiday this year. The price of pork in the market is fluctuating around USD 2.22- 2.39/kg (52K - 56K VND). Contrary to the trend in the last month of the year and the Lunar New Year, pork prices in the market remained low while the supply was large but the demand decreased.
Live hog prices in Vietnam (Jan 8)
Live hog price on January 8 was maintained at USD 2.13- USD 2.30/kg ( 50K - 54K VND). In W1, the live hog market in 3 regions increased and decreased by USD 0.043/kg (1K VND).
Ukraine
Price Peaks and a Broken Seasonal Model (Jan 6)
In 2022, live weight pork prices reached completely new limits. Weighted average prices ranged from USD 1.14 to USD 2.08/kg (UAH 42 to 76.4/kg). This was emphasized by Oleksandra Bondarska, head of the analytical department of the "Swine makers of Ukraine" association. Last year, the seasonal pattern was also broken due to a significant loss of pork supply.
The Price of Pork Stabilized at USD 1.90/KG in Ukraine (Jan 8)
The purchase prices of slaughter pigs in the first week of 2023 did not change. During the past auctions of 2022, most operators did not revise the purchase prices for pork, and the price change, which was recorded in some places, did not exceed USD 0.027/kg (UAH 1). The main commodity volumes, somewhat smaller after the pre-New Year revival on the part of procurers, were priced at USD 1.89- 1.93/kg (UAH 69.5-71). The weighted average mark stopped at the level of USD 1.91/kg (UAH 70.3). Representatives of the meat processing industry noted that against the background of the stabilization of purchase prices, prices for chilled pork half carcasses were mostly not adjusted either. Most of them state that trade between holidays is predictable and relatively stable.
South Korea
A temporary suspension order was issued from 12:00 on the 6th to 12:00 on the 8th for the northern Gyeonggi and Incheon areas due to an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) at a pig farm with 8K heads located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do. According to the industry, the pigs shipped from the farmhouse in Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, were positive in the sow test at the slaughterhouse around 11:00 pm on the 5th, and the results of sample collection and detailed inspection on the morning of the 6th were also judged to be ASF positive. In response, the quarantine authorities closed and culled the farm, while temporarily moving 48 hours from 12:00 on the 6th to 12:00 on the 8th in Incheon, Gyeonggi Gimpo, Paju, Yeoncheon, Pocheon, Yangju, Goyang, Dongducheon, and Cheorwon, Gangwon. A cease order was issued. "We are monitoring the progress of the epidemiological investigation," said Yoo Jae-hyeong, head of the foot-and-mouth disease control department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Malaysia
African Swine Fever Case Detected at Another Pig Farm in Penang (Jan 7)
Another pig farm in Valdor, South Seberang Perai was shut down on January 7 due to a positive case of African swine fever (ASF). The closure was carried out by the Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPV), with this being the second ASF case involving two pig farms in the state so far. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he attended a management meeting regarding the matter on Saturday morning.
Colombia
Travelers Should Not Transport Pork Products and By-Products (Jan 4)
ICA published the recommendations to prevent PSA from entering the country. The recommendation prohibits the transport of products and by-products from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Haiti, China, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Hungary, Estonia, Mongolia, Poland, Ukraine and Romania, due to the risk it generates for national production and for everyone's food security. It also recommends the application of prevention and biosecurity measures in pig farms to maintain production.
Taiwan
Taiwan Declared Free of Foot-And-Mouth Disease and Classical Swine Fever (Jan 2)
Taiwan has become free of foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever without the need for vaccination, an achievement matched by no other nation, an official with the Council of Agriculture (COA) said. Other nations took 20 to 30 years, while Taiwan took just six years, said AOC Vice Minister Huang Chin-cheng. After bringing African swine fever under control in 2018, the World Organization for Animal Health declared Taiwan proper, Penghu and Matsu free of foot-and-mouth disease, and in 2020 allowed the export of pork from these areas. However, nations such as Japan still ban imports of pork products from areas with classical swine fever, including Taiwan.
Taiwan Is on Alert as More Tourists Bring Illegal Pork Into the Country (Jan 6)
This is a time of an increase in illegal pork smuggling, especially in East Asian countries. As the Lunar New Year approaches on January 22, Taiwanese authorities are reminding people not to bring pork into the country, including Cantonese 'chicken buns', which actually contain pork. In 2022, the amount of illegal pork products brought into Taiwan by international travelers was four times higher than in 2021, reports the Taipei Times. Authorities say 789 kg of pork products were illegally imported into Taiwan last year. Of that total, 451 kg were intercepted at Chunghwa Post's international mail department, down 22.4% from 2021, said Agriculture Council Minister Chen Chi-chung, who leads a task force from the central operations focused on preventing the spread of African swine fever (ASF).
