W4: Weekly Pork Update
Global
USDA Has Raised the Forecast for Global Pork Production (Jan 23)
The US Department of Agriculture increased the forecast of global pork production in 2023 by 3%, from 110.98M MT to 114.09M MT, against the background of an increase in the volume of production of this meat in China. In the previous review, in October 2022, US analysts estimated the production potential in the PRC at 52M MT, now at 55M MT. Demand for pork in China is expected to increase due to the recently lifted restrictions of COVID-19. Production forecasts for other countries remain largely unchanged. Thus, the production of pork in the EU countries may amount to 22.58M MT, in the USA to 12.47M MT, in Brazil to 4.44M MT, in Canada to 2.07M MT, in Mexico to 1.6M MT. Despite the expected increase in production, China will remain the largest importer of pork and can purchase 2.1M MT in 2023.
World Pork Market Expected to Reach USD 418.27B by 2028 (Jan 25)
The global pork market should move USD 418.37B by 2028, according to US market research provider Research and Markets. Pork is the most widely consumed and popular source of meat around the world. The global pork industries are very dynamic and the main source of protein for millions of different crops. Pork is cheaper than any other meat source, which is a significant factor in its high consumption. A significant middle-class population, rising disposable income and changing consumer preferences are driving demand for pork. However, the rise in adoption of veganism and the strict law against animal cruelty law are the main constraints of the global pork market.
Europe
EU Expert Group Seeks to Diversify Pork Exports (Jan 23)
The group of experts established at the initiative of the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, which should deal with sustainable solutions in the face of a very tense economic situation in the pig sector, recommends that the industry reduce its dependence on strong exporting countries. In order to stop the ongoing concentration of pig production, cooperation between pig farmers through producer organizations should be strengthened. Pork producers and processors in the European Union must diversify their outlets more in third countries. In the report, the group calls for a significant reduction in dependence on several target countries, especially unreliable partners. This is probably especially true of China, whose pork imports were exceptionally high in 2020 and 2021, but then collapsed in 2022.
EU Recommends Limiting the Concentration of Pig Production (Jan 23)
The European reflection group on pork recommended in the report it presented last week to limit the concentration of production, both from a geographical and volume point of view. Right now, the sector is facing several challenges, such as price volatility, the spread of African swine fever and rising production costs. To ensure its resilience, the group also recommended improving risk management, reducing dependence on certain markets such as China, optimizing waste management and strengthening animal health and welfare measures. The report shows that the sector is in a very fragile situation due to the combination of a number of factors, such as restrictions arising from the pandemic, the spread of various diseases, the reduction in exports to China and the increase in production costs due to the war in Ukraine.
The Number of ASF Cases Has Significantly Decreased in the EU (Jan 24)
In 2022, in the EU, cases of African swine fever (ASF) among domestic pigs and by 40% among wild pigs decreased by 80%. For the first time since 2014, when the first case of ASF occurred in the EU, the number of cases of the disease in wild boars has decreased: from 12,076 cases in 2021 to just 7,282 in 2022. Domestic pigs, after a sharp increase in 2018, saw a decrease in cases of the disease in 2020 compared to 2019 (-35%). But the number of ASF outbreaks increased again in 2021 (+52%) and fell by almost 80% in 2022: from 1,826 cases to 379. The highest number of cases of ASF among wild boars is still in Poland, 2,152, although this is 33% less. In second place is Germany with 1,628 cases, albeit with a 36% decrease compared to 2021.
Latin America
According to the USDA, Latin America Will Increase Pork Production in 2023 (Jan 25)
Production would be 8.05M MT, which represents an increase of 2.5% compared to 2022 (7.86M MT). On the other hand, estimates for international trade indicate growth of 4.7% in exports and 0.1% in imports. In this sense, apparent consumption would grow by 1.4%, changing from 7.92M to 8.03M MT, respectively. Pork production in the leading pig industry in LATAM (Latin America) would increase by 2.0% compared to 2022, from 4.35M to 4.43M MT. Likewise, it is projected that the export volume will reach 1.37M MT, a value that represents an increase of 3.9% in relation to the previous year (1.32M MT). Imports would reach 2K MT and apparent consumption would grow by 1.1%, reaching 3.07M MT. For Mexico, a production of 1.6M MT would be achieved, a value that would be 4.6% above the 2022 total (1.53M MT). With this volume of production, the Central American country would continue to rank second in LATAM pork production.
Spain
Proposal for Sustainable and Harmonized Control of Wild Boar (Jan 23)
The African Swine Fever Prevention Task Force (GO PREVPA) has published a new document containing a sustainable proposal for monitoring wild boar. A large part of the Spanish territory has a capacity to harbor wild boar populations that have not yet reached their maximum limit, and the populations are, for the most part, close to their maximum productivity rates, which makes their control very difficult. However, Spain lacks integration in the adequate monitoring of wild populations (integrated monitoring). Spain has one of the best hunting and health statistics collection systems for wild boar in the European context. However, it is advisable that some Autonomous Communities collect data at the hunting ground level with greater spatial and temporal resolution. In this sense, PREVPA is promoting monitoring campaigns in various populations representing the diversity of habitats and management scenarios for this wild animal within the national territory.
Spaniards Present Advances in the Development of the Vaccine Against African Swine Fever (Jan 23)
A group led by Fernando Rodríguez (IRTA-CReSA), together with Jordi Argilaguet and several scientific collaborators, have presented advances in the development of the BA71ΔCD2 vaccine against African swine fever African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal viral disease of mandatory declaration within the framework of the World Organization for Animal Health (OMSA) currently responsible for a pandemic with devastating consequences for the swine industry worldwide. The disease is caused by the ASF virus (ASFV), which affects pigs and wild boars with a mortality close to 100% in its acute forms. There is currently no globally approved effective vaccine. Therefore, the control of the disease falls on the implementation of drastic biosecurity measures and sanitary emptying policies in affected areas.
Union of Unions of Farmers and Ranchers, after taking stock of 2022 in the pig sector, has stressed that production costs have skyrocketed in the last year and calls for more support from the Administration to be able to apply for aid that mitigates that increase. In addition, they highlighted that African swine fever (ASF) accentuates the problems. In this sense, Unión de Uniones are concerned about the advance of ASF in Europe. Union of Unions calls for greater controls at airports, ports and highways to avoid jumps of the disease, as well as the wild boars themselves, in many cases, transmitters of this.
United States
Pork Quotes on the CME Exchange Fell Due to the Growth of Production in China (Jan 23)
From Jan. 13 to Jan. 20, the bovine meat and pork futures market on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange moved in the same direction. Although during the week the quotations of pork and cattle meat were not stable, by the end of the week the quotations of cattle meat in live weight, fattening and pork fell, losing from 0.70% to 1.83%. At the end of 2022, pork production in China increased by 4.6% compared to the data for 2021, contrary to forecasts for its decline. In total, Chinese pig farms produced 55.41M MT of pork (this is the highest figure from 56.71M MT, which was recorded in 2014). A year ago, they produced 52.96M MT. An increase in pork production in China after outbreaks of ASF in pigs, the death of almost the entire national herd will push quotes for American pork down until they find a new foothold for growth.
Hog Slaughter Running High in the US (Jan 23)
In recent weeks hog slaughter has been running above expectations. The heavy weight market hog inventory in USDA's December Hogs and Pigs report implied slaughter would be down 1.9% over the last eight weeks. Actual hog slaughter was down only 0.3%. The higher-than-predicted hog slaughter could be due to winter weather disrupting hog flow or more likely to a surplus of hogs relative to expectations. The increased hog slaughter appears to be having a negative impact on hog prices. It looks like January hog prices will come in below those in December. The futures market expects hog prices to increase each month till July then to decline each month until the year ends.
US Annual Hog Slaughter Decline (Jan 24)
In W3, the USDA published the actual hog slaughter for 2022. YoY, the official US Barrow and Gilt slaughter is down 3.547M head. A big drop and one expects decline to continue through 2023. Of note, the total US slaughter in 2020 was 131.563M head. This indicates about 10M more head than in 2022. The large decline is a reflection of the lack of profitability the industry has been dealing with. US pork production in 2022 was down 635.03K MT (1.4B pounds) from 2020.
Beyond Hams, US Pork Loins and Jowls Bound for Mexico (Jan 24)
US pork exports to Mexico reached new heights in 2022. Through November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US. Meat Export Federation, shipments to Mexico were up 9% from a year ago and nearly matched the full-year record achieved in 2021. Export value has already set an annual record at USD 1.84B, up 20% YoY. In both October and November, exports topped USD 200M in value. While hams make up much of the record breaking volume of US pork exported to Mexico, support from the National Pork Board and USDA has helped create opportunities for other cuts such as jowls and loins.
Lean Hog Futures Bulls Hoping for Seasonal Bottom (Jan 27)
Lean hog futures prices in W4 scored a 3.5-month low and remain in a steep downtrend on the daily bar chart. Bears are in technical control. The latest CME lean hog index is down 2 cents to USD 72.11 (as of Jan. 23). Until the cash index signals a bottom, upside in futures will be limited. The five-year average is 3.2M-lb decline in pork stocks during the month. The Cold Storage Report showed total frozen poultry supplies on December 31, 2022 were up 7% from the previous month and up 23% from a year ago.
Less Pork Production in 2022 but It Will Grow Again in 2023 (Jan 27)
Pork production in the US in 2022 fell by around 309K MT (-2.5%) to 12.24M MT. The number of pigs slaughtered fell by 3.67M (-2.8%) to 125.3M. The animals were slaughtered with an average live weight of 131.0 kg, that is, half a kilo more than the previous year, according to the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Looking ahead to 2023, an increase of 1.8% in pork production is expected, which would lead to a production volume of 12.5M MT.
Germany
The EU Approves the German Animal Welfare Label (Jan 27)
According to the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the European Commission has "in principle checked" the planned labeling of pork and has not raised any objections. The draft law provides for a German-wide uniform and mandatory animal welfare label, initially only for pork. The rearing and transport of piglets and sows are excluded. Pork in processed food and catering is also initially not to be registered. However, the project met with a lot of criticism. It is currently under discussion in the German Bundestag. After the possible adoption of the law, the European Commission must approve it. However, the law would violate EU law if it discriminated against foreign meat producers on the German market. The German Ministry of Agriculture points out that foreign producers can voluntarily label their products according to German law and are therefore not at a disadvantage.
Canada
In Canada, Saskatchewan Invests USD 1M in Swine Disease Preparedness (Jan 23)
In W3, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced USD 700K in funding to support swine disease mitigation efforts. Sask Pork will also be providing USD 300K toward a swine market disruption plan, which will help industry respond to potential market closures due to an animal health emergency event such as African swine fever. "Mitigation of, preparedness for, and response to animal diseases are all critical factors in supporting the Saskatchewan swine industry," Marit said.
Denmark
Further Price Increases for Danish Weaners (Jan 26)
The Danish weaners exchange has seen price hikes again. This is the second week of price increases. Negative PRRS piglets were valued at USD 80.62/head (DKK 545.00), and PRRS positive piglets at USD 76.92/head (DKK 520.00). The rates apply to weaners weighing 30 kg. Compared to prices from the same period last year (week 05), the current rates for weaners are higher by USD 47.34- 48.08/head (DKK 320-325) depending on health status. In turn, compared to last W3, the current rates are higher by USD 2.96/pcs (20 DKK) in all health statuses. Current rates for Danish piglets (January 26, 2023), the rate for weaners with negative PRRS status is USD 80.62/unit (DKK 545.00) compared to USD 77.66/unit (PLN 332.01) last week.
Brazil
Wholesale prices of frozen pork ham & shoulder in Pernambuco, Brazil, ended January with the highest monthly average in at least three years, at USD 2.87/kg (BRL 15.00). MoM, prices rose 5%. YoY, prices are up 15%. Prices began to rise from a multi-year low of USD 2.47/kg (BRL 12.50) in June 2022 and then traded mostly sideways around USD 2.77/kg (BRL 14.00) until December, when another price spike occurred. According to several local reports, Brazil's domestic pig supply saw a reduction in its growth pace in H2 2022, which likely reflects the wholesale price increase. (Continue Reading)
Pork Shipments of Brazil Increase Compared to January 2022 and in the Weekly Comparison (Jan 23)
According to information from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex) of the Federal Government, released on Jan 23, exports of fresh and frozen pork meat in 15 working days of January increased results both in relation to January 2022 and in comparison to the previous week. The revenue obtained from pork exports until the end of W2 of Jan totaled USD 134.58M, representing 89.55% over the amount obtained in January 2022, which was USD 150.28M. In the case of volume shipped, it amounted to 53.98K MT, 79.62% of the total registered in January of last year, amounting to 67.79K MT. The price paid per ton was USD 2.49M, which is 12.5% higher than last January. The result, compared to the value reached in the previous week, represents a timid decrease of 0.06%.
Record Pork Exports From Santa Catarina (Jan 25)
In 2022, Santa Catarina achieved the best results in pork exports since the beginning of the Epagri/Cepa historical series. Last year, the Brazilian state exported 602.4K MT of pork (fresh, processed, and offal), 4.1% more than the previous year. Revenues totaled USD 1.43B, 2.5% more than in 2021. Santa Catarina was responsible for 54.8% of the volume and 56.3% of the value of Brazilian pork exports in 2022. China, the leading destination, saw decreases of 10.6% in volume and 13.1% in value, compared to the previous year. Chile and Hong Kong also saw significant decreases in purchases of pork from Santa Catarina, especially in terms of value: -9.1% and -41.8%, respectively. These decreases were offset by growth in exports to other important destinations, such as the Philippines (+138.5% in volume and +164.1% in value) and Japan (+80.4% and +67.4%, respectively).
Supply and Demand May Drive Brazil Pork Prices in 2023 (Jan 25)
Despite global economic uncertainties, companies within Brazil’s swine sector expect an increase in 2023, according to a market report from CEPEA. The projection is based on the possibility of firm demand in both domestic and international markets. The Focus Survey, released by Brazil’s Central Bank in early January indicates that the national GDP may increase by only 0.8% this year and that inflation is projected to hit 5.31%. According to the report, this could lower purchasing power, which can, in turn, boost domestic demand for pork, as it is more competitive than other meats.
Swine Farmers Absorbed Significant Losses in 2022 (Jan 26)
The monthly data released by Embrapa Suínos e Aves in relation to the sale price and cost of raising live pigs in the South region point to massive losses absorbed by pig farmers in the last two years, which made the situation extremely difficult for them to remain in the activity. Monitoring carried out by SuiSite in recent years shows that this reality of costs higher than those received in commercialization has prevailed throughout the period analyzed. However, attention is drawn to the alarming growth seen in the last two years. In detail, while over the course of 2019 and 2020 the losses absorbed reached, respectively, 3.9% and 1.3%, the negative index rose to 9.6% in 2021 and a significant 24.6% over the course of last year. And losses absorbed over such a long period can negatively impact pork volume in the medium and long term, given the inability of pig farmers to maintain and replace the breeding stock.
With an Increase of Almost 30% In Meat Exports, MS Is on the Way to Becoming a Multiprotein State (Jan 26)
Exports of fresh pork meat from Mato Grosso do Sul in 2022 totaled USD 37.9M and 15.0K MT of pork meat, an increase of 20.38% in revenue and a decrease of 10.27% in volume when compared to 2021. Brazil earned USD 2.40B and shipped 1.01M MT, this result reflected in a 2.73% decrease in revenue and a 0.14% drop in volume when compared to 2021. The main destination of MS pork is Hong Kong. The country accounted for 26.66% of the revenue from foreign sales of fresh pork in the state, with the purchase of 4.50K MT. The second place in the ranking, with 15.26%, was occupied by the United Arab Emirates. Singapore, in third place, with 14.91% of the revenue and 2.03K MT.
Belgium
Significantly Fewer Pig Slaughters in Belgium (Jan 26)
Experts see the declining figures as proof of the poor market conditions and poor prospects for the future in the sector. In December 2022, a decrease can be seen in Belgium in all animals, chickens, cattle and pigs. That decrease is 4% compared to a year earlier, bringing the total number of slaughters to 25.7M. The majority of these are poultry. The decrease in the number of pig slaughters is sharp at 13.4% compared to the decrease in all livestock. Joris Coenen of the Belgian Meat Office (BMO), the meat export office of the Flemish Center for Agro- and Fisheries Marketing (VLAM), partly explains the strong decline due to the continuing weak economic climate in pig farming. 'Because of the low margins, the pig farmers raise fewer piglets, resulting in fewer slaughters.'
Mexico
Mexican Pork Production Grew 2.6% In 2022 (Jan 26)
Pork production for the month of December reached 162.91K MT. Although the December volume was the highest recorded in 2022 and represented an increase of 4.3% compared to the month prior, it represented a decrease of 0.2% compared to December 2021. The annual total indicates a growth of 2.6%, with production going from 1.69M MT in 2021 to 1.73M MT in 2022, reaching 99.6% of the 1.74M MT expected for the year. Undoubtedly, the results for 2022 were very positive for the swine industry, taking into account that the participation of pork volume (22.5%) is the lowest among the total production of the 3 evaluated proteins (7.69M MT).
Poland
Meat Market in Poland (Jan 29)
On Jan 9-15, plants covered by the monitoring of the Integrated Agricultural Market Information System of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development purchased pigs at USD 1.72/kg (PLN 7.38), which is 2% cheaper than the week before and 4% a month ago. At the same time, the price of live pigs was 64% higher than a year ago. Half -carcasses of pork were sold at USD 2.55/kg (PLN 10.89), which is 1% cheaper in the previous week and 4% than in the previous month. This assortment was 60.5% more expensive than a year ago.
United Kingdom
UK Confirms Presence of Seneca Valley Virus for the First Time (Jan 23)
The UK Chief Veterinary Service has confirmed that the five cases of vesicular disease in pigs identified on farms in England between June and September 2022 were due to Seneca Valley virus (SVV). This is the first confirmed VVS case in Europe. VVS is not a notifiable disease in the UK nor is it a listed disease of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). However, the clinical signs resemble notifiable vesicular diseases, in particular FMD. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs therefore urges pig producers and veterinarians to continue to report any clinical signs of vesicular disease in pigs immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can carry out an official investigation.
Bacon Drives UK's Pork Trade Growth (Jan 26)
Pork imports into the UK totaled 70.2K MT swt in November, up 2.6K MT swt (3.8%) MoM and up 922MT swt (1.3%) YoY. Total EU shipments increased in November, with Denmark trading the largest volume at 17.2K MT swt, up 14.8% (2.2K MT swt) from the previous month. Poland saw the biggest reduction in volumes shipped to the UK MoM, down 1K MT swt (17.0%). The volumes of fresh/frozen pork were unchanged in the month, with 27.9K MT imported in November, however the volumes fell 12.2% in relation to the same month last year. Imports of bacon and sausages continued to register growth both in the month and in the year. Sausages registered the biggest growth of the year in terms of volume, with an increase of 3.9K MT(39%), while bacon increased by 938MT (5.5%).
UK Increased Overseas Pork Trade In 2022 (Jan 28)
According to the organization for the promotion of agriculture and horticulture (AHDB), from January to November 2022 imports were about 11% more pork and by-products, while exports increased by about 7% over the same period. Accordingly, from January to November 2022, 737.9K MT of pork were imported into the UK, an increase of 74.4K MT, 11.2% compared to the same period last year.
Hungary
Compared to December, the Producer Price of Slaughter Pigs Decreased in Hungary (Jan 25)
Hungary's live pig exports increased by 9.5% in January-October 2022 compared to January-October 2021, while imports decreased by 9%. The quantity of pork sold on the international market did not change significantly, its value increased by 27% during the observed period. The volume of pork imports was 18% higher and the value 46% higher. The producer price of domestically produced slaughter pigs, excluding VAT and transport costs, was USD 2.35/kg (HUF 832) of carcass hot weight in December 2022, which represented an 82% increase compared to the average price a year earlier. In the first two weeks of 2023, the producer price of slaughter pigs in Hungary was USD 2.30/kg (HUF 814) of warm carcass weight on average, which is a 72% increase compared to the first two weeks of last year.
Hungary Received a License to Export Meat to the Philippines (Jan 29)
Péter Szijjártó reported that according to the decision of the government in Manila, six domestic companies can start the delivery of poultry and pork products and live animals to the fastest developing country in Southeast Asia. The market with more than 112M inhabitants represents a huge opportunity for the Hungarian food industry, he added.
China
Chinese Meat Imports Will Be Higher This Year Than Initially Forecast (Jan 25)
Despite the wave of COVID-19 infections that China is suffering, its imports of beef and pork have been revised upwards (compared to those advanced in October 2022) and the new figures represent a slight increase over purchases made abroad last year. although the production of Chinese pig meat has been revised upwards with respect to the forecast that the USDA presented in October (55M MT, compared to the 52M MT forecast in October), the availabilities of the country will remain practically unchanged compared to 2022 and it is unlikely that they will be enough to cover the growing consumption, which could reach 56.9M MT, compared to the 53.5M MT originally expected. Imports could therefore be 2.1M MT (compared to 2 M MT in 2022), still a long way from the more than 5M MT imported in 2020.
China Cut Pork Imports in Half (Jan 26)
In 2022, China imported 1.76M MT of pork, 2.87M MT including offal. This is 53% and 42% less, respectively, as compared to the volume of imports in 2021. Imports of offal alone decreased by 13%. Despite such a noticeable decrease, imports have been gradually increasing since August from 120K MT in June and July to 200K MT in December.
Vietnam
Live Hog Price (Jan 27)
Live hog prices in the North, specifically, in Ninh Binh, Vinh Phuc, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Hanoi, Nam Dinh, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang and Thai Binh provinces, live hog prices ranged from USD 2.22 to 2.26/kg (52K to 53K VND). In Yen Bai, Lao Cai and Son La provinces, live hog prices are at the lowest level in the whole region at USD 2.17/kg (51K VND). Thus, on Jan 27, live hog price in the North was fluctuating in the range of USD 2.17- 2.30/kg (51K - 54K VND).
Greece
First Case of ASF in 3 Years (Jan 23)
African swine fever (ASF) has emerged in Greece for the first time since 2020. The disease was detected in a wild boar carcass in the north of the country, near the border with Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The Greek authorities immediately took control measures. There is a suspicion that it has made its way through neighboring countries.
Ukraine
Pork Prices Followed the Usual Seasonal Trends (Jan 23)
After the winter holidays, the prices of pigs in slaughter conditions traditionally weakened: with a decrease in consumer activity in the second decade of the month, the prices of live pork purchases underwent a corresponding change. In addition, in the second half of January, regional differences in prices became more characteristic. Thus, during the previous auctions in the Center, livestock was mostly sold at USD 1.65- 1.71/kg (61-63 UAH), while in the East and West the purchase prices were up to USD 1.62/kg (60 UAH). Representatives of the meat processing industry note that the slowdown in trading activity after the winter holidays is traditional, and its pace meets expectations. At the same time, the operators note the strengthening of domestic competition between suppliers of chilled pork, which increases the pressure on prices in this segment and, accordingly, on the purchasing department.
Philippines
Hogs Producers Press Tariff Commission to Review Offal Tariff (Jan 25)
Domestic hogs producers have strongly urged the Tariff Commission (TC) to review the extended tariff rates on imported frozen edible offal and for the Department of Agriculture to establish the first border inspection facility to minimize smuggling and misdeclaration of imported animal meats. Producers raised these concerns to the Tariff Commission, which conducted a public hearing on Jan. 25, to study the impact of tariff policies and programs on national competitiveness and consumer welfare.
Philippines Lifts Ban on Cured Pork From Italy (Jan 27)
The Philippines has lifted a temporary ban on cured pork products from Italy. The ban was imposed by the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August last year due to outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in the European country. In a memo signed Dec. 28 by the Department of Agriculture but issued by the FDA on Jan 27, the ban was lifted "following the minimum standard and parameters to achieve the appropriate level of protection and inactivation of the ASF virus." It added that, based on the DA's Import Risk Assessment on 8 November, the "estimated overall risk of introducing ASF through cured meat is low in products such as dry-cured hams".
Ghana
US Pork Products to Flood Local Market, as Ghana Reaches Agreement With USDA (Jan 24)
Local pig farmers are in danger of being pushed out of business as the country officially opens its borders to large quantities of imported pork and meat products from the US. Per a market access report from the USDA, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has sealed a deal with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) by which the two parties have agreed to allow the products into the Ghanaian market. The agreement was reached as a result of a request made by the USDA’s FSIS on October 24, 2022 for Ghana to allow pork products to be imported into the country in huge quantities. The deal has however sparked concerns among stakeholders of possible dumping and the risk it poses to local meat production and the cedi. Livestock industry players are also worried over whether there are designated laboratories in place to check the wholesomeness of these impending imports.