W8: Weekly Pork Update
Global
African Swine Fever Vaccine Development; Global Field Tests Underway (Feb 20)
Manuel Borca, Veterinary Microbiologist, USDA ARS, said, “what happened with African swine fever is that until 2007 it was restricted to the Republic of Georgia, then it spread to Europe and Asia. At that time, there were a few labs in the world that were working on investigating different aspects of African swine fever, and fewer labs that were involved in the production of vaccines. I think that is the main reason why we are so delayed in the production of the vaccine for African swine fever.” Borca explained that the USDA ARS has transferred a vaccine candidate to a commercial partner in Vietnam. That partner company passed all the efficacy and safety requirements established by the Vietnamese government for vaccine approval. The vaccine has been approved for further testing in the field, with several hundred doses authorized to be tested under controlled conditions. This phase of testing is ongoing, he said. Tens of thousands of doses of that vaccine have been applied without having any important problems, in those cases where the vaccine has been used under controlled conditions, he said.
Europe
Greenhouse Gases, the Bloodletting Risk for Pig and Poultry Farms (Feb 20)
The EU strategy to reduce industrial emissions made reference to obsolete data dating back to 2016. According to rumors published on the Euractiv website, if the data is updated, the affected farms will rise three times in the case of pigs and 4 times for poultry farms that will have to deal with the new directive in draft.
RIE Proposal From the European Commission Affects a Much Larger Part of the Livestock Sector (Feb 20)
Significantly more livestock farms will be covered by the new European Industrial Emissions Directive RIE than originally assumed, if it comes into force as proposed by the European Commission. The RIE stipulates that large companies must submit additional records and governments must be stricter when granting permits. The European Commission had used figures from 2016 to estimate the number of companies that would fall under the directive. On this basis, it was stated that a maximum of 18% of pig farms and 15% of poultry farms would fall under the criteria of the IED. However, the figures for 2023 show that it concerns more than 60% of pig farms and 58% of companies in the poultry sector. The European Commission will further develop the proposal and then submit it to the Member States and the European Parliament.
European Pork Exports Fell by 15.5% In 2022 (Feb 21)
The 27 Member States of the European Union exported significantly less pork in 2022 compared to 2021. Exports amounted to 5.1M MT, which is 15.5% lower. This is evident from export figures released by the European Commission. China in particular imported less pork from Europe. In 2021, more than half of European pork exports were still destined for buyers in China. Last year, that share was only 30.7%. Within the European Union, Spain is the main exporter of pork to third countries with an export of 1.61M MT. The Netherlands supplied 859.65K MT outside Europe.
The EU Pig Census Registers Its Biggest Drop In More Than 20 Years (Feb 22)
The EU pig census fell to its lowest level in more than two decades at the end of 2022, according to the latest data from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat). Only the data for Malta is missing and the results for Italy cannot be compared with previous years due to a new survey method. Therefore, in the 35 remaining member states, in December 2022, there were 25.5M pigs registered. Consequently, 7.68M (5.8%) less than twelve months before. There has never been such a sharp drop in this century.
Self-Sufficiency in European Pig Farming Must Be Drastically Reduced (Feb 22)
European pig farming must become much less dependent on third countries. The self-sufficiency rate is now at 120%. If it is up to the European Pig meat Reflection Group, it drops to 100% with a small plus. This is evident from the report that was recently presented to the European Commission. The reflection group was set up in 2022 by European Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski for Agriculture. The reason was the malaise in pig farming and the call from various Member States for European support. The European Commission did not respond. Instead, the reflection group was created to investigate how the sustainability and resilience of pig farming can be increased in terms of socio-economic, environmental, climate, animal health and animal welfare.
United States
Cash Hogs Closed Higher in the US (Feb 20)
Cash hogs closed higher with a solid negotiated run. Processors are moving at their own pace when it comes to moving numbers. Pork remains a value-buy for consumers in the retail space and that helps provide at least some price support. Barrows and gilts at the National Daily Direct closed USD 1.48 higher with a base range of USD 68 to USD 80 and a weighted average of USD 77.97; the Iowa/Minnesota was USD .97 higher with a weighted average of USD 78.43; the Western Corn Belt was USD 1.03 higher with a weighted average of USD 78.34. Prices at the Eastern Corn Belt were not reported due to confidentiality. Pork values closed sharply higher, up USD 5.63 to USD 87.72. Bellies jumped more than USD 25 on Feb 20. The rest of the primals were also higher. Estimated hog slaughter was 482K head, down 3K on the week and up 11K on the year.
US Pork Exports in 2022 (Feb 20)
In December, pork exports reached 244.72K MT swt, 13% more than the same period last year and the second highest in 2022 (slightly below November). The value of exports in December increased by 14% to USD 687.3M. These results raised annual exports to 2.67M MT, 8.5% less than a year ago, while the value of exports was the third highest ever, with USD 7.68B, less 5% of the 2021 record. Pork exports to Mexico reached another record volume in December, with 90.18 units, an increase of 13%. In December, the value of exports was USD 198.3M, 42% more and the third highest ever. These results took 2022 exports to a record 959.70K MT, 10% more than a year ago, while the value of exports rose 21% to USD 2.03B, exceeding USD 2B for the first time.
Pork Prices on the CME Jumped by 12% (Feb 20)
Lean pork futures closed lower on the CME. They fell for the third session in a row ahead of the US holiday weekend and falling pork prices. April quotes fell 0.50 cents to USD 1.88K/MT (85.28 cents a pound), and June quotes fell 0.43 cents to USD 2.26K/MT (102.73 cents/pound). From February 10 to February 17, pork prices rose 12.4%.
Pork and Agriculture Industry Groups Unite to Safeguard Against ASF (Feb 21)
Pork and agriculture industry groups united in a new partnership to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) into the United States. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced their partnership at the NASDA Winter Policy Conference on Feb 15. “Our four organizations together will be able to coordinate strategies for animal disease preparedness and response, on not just one level but on local, state and federal levels. This type of collaboration will lead to better response to outbreaks and, ultimately, to better animal health and welfare across the US,” said Ted McKinney, chief executive officer at NASDA. ASF has yet to enter the United States, but the nation’s stakeholders have nonetheless been taking precautions to prepare for and prevent the disease.
Lean Hogs Surge 4% As Pork Prices Jump (Feb 22)
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lean hog futures surged more than 4% on Feb 21, with the benchmark April contract hitting a six-week top following a jump in wholesale pork prices over the long US holiday weekend. Hogs rose the most on a percentage basis. CME April hogs settled up 3.825 cents, an increase of 4.85% to USD 1.96K/MT (89.100 cents per pound) and June hogs ended up 2.550 cents at USD 2.32K/MT (105.275 cents/pound). Hog futures bolted higher after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) priced the pork carcass cutout at USD 87.72 per hundredweight (cwt) on Feb 20 while US markets were closed for a holiday, up USD 5.63 from Feb 17 and the highest since Dec. 30.
US Pork Production Projections (Feb 24)
Lean hog futures price action the past week still suggests a market bottom is in place and that prices can continue to trend sideways to higher in the coming weeks. The latest CME lean hog index was up 77 cents, the biggest daily gain during the current rally from the January low. It’s likely the US cash hog and wholesale pork markets will continue to rise in the coming weeks and months. The trend will likely remain up despite the present sizable premiums built into the spring and summer lean hog futures contracts. It’s likely the comparatively low US pork prices versus beef will prompt stronger grocer interest in featuring pork this spring.
US Pork Exports to Dominican Republic Soar to Record Level (Feb 25)
Previously a destination for raw material used for further processing, the market now imports a diverse range of US pork cuts and products. The United States has long been the dominant supplier of US soy-fed pork to the Dominican Republic (DR), competing primarily with domestically raised pork. Exports have increased steadily since the DR implemented the Central America-DR-US Free Trade Agreement in 2007, putting US pork on course to enter the market at zero duty. In 2006, the last year in which US pork was subject to the DR’s 25% most-favored-nation tariff rate, US exports were just over 4K MT, valued at USD 6.6M. By 2010, exports more than quadrupled in volume and reached USD 38M in value and in 2020, shipments reached nearly 40K MT valued at more than USD 90M. US exports to the DR were record-shattering in 2022, coming in at 85.55K MT (up 46% from 2021), with value reaching USD 233.6M (up 55%), according to USDA data compiled by USMEF. African swine fever (ASF) sparked a significant decline in the DR’s domestic pork industry and the impact does not appear to be short-lived.
Germany
Brandenburg Fears the Spread of African Swine Fever to the North (Feb 22)
A wild boar in the town of Cottbus has recently been diagnosed with African Swine Fever (ASF). Cottbus is located on the A15 about 25 km from the border with Poland and in an existing core area. To determine the extent of the contamination, the veterinary office of the Spree-Neisse/ Cottbus district has launched an intensive search with sniffer dogs. According to the head of the AVP crisis team, Secretary of State for Consumer Protection Antje Töpfer, an epidemic has been going on in the area for weeks. She speaks of "epidemic pressure from the south and east" and of signs that African swine fever was spreading towards Cottbus. In one week, 37 new cases of ASF-infected wild boars were added up to February 21. Of these, 23 were found in the state of Brandenburg and 14 in the state of Saxony. Those involved call the situation in the German state serious.
Another Clear Decline in the Pig Population in Bavaria (Feb 22)
According to the final results of the survey on pig stocks carried out by the Bavarian State Office for Statistics as of November 3, 2022, a total of 2.41M pigs are kept in Bavaria. This means that the pig stock has fallen by 12% compared to the previous year percent. At the same time, with around 3.5K pig-keeping farms, almost 400 fewer were counted. In November 2022, each farm had an average of 698 pigs, 18 fewer than in the previous year.
Record Pig Prices Maintained (Feb 23)
The three previous quotations ended with an impressive increase in prices. From the beginning of February, the prices of fattening pigs in Germany have increased by a total of USD 0.30 (euro cents). However, the Feb 22 quotation ended a series of hikes. The session ended with maintaining the rate set a week ago, USD 2.43/kg (EUR 2.28) of a fattening pig with a meat content of 57% equivalent to German’s E-class.
German Pork Exports Fall Significantly in 2022 (Feb 24)
Pork exports, including by-products, from Germany fell sharply in 2022. Most notably, exports to third countries fell significantly due to existing trade restrictions as a result of the African Swine Fever (ASF) and the declining pig population in Germany. Exports fell by 11.3%. According to preliminary data from the Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (AMI), from January to December 2022, a total of 2.36M MT of pork including by-products were exported. This means that German pork exports fell by almost 11.3% compared to the previous year. Exports to third countries fell sharply. Pork trade with third countries decreased much more than trade within the EU, recording a drastic decrease of 29%. Deliveries to third countries have already almost halved in the 2020/21 season. As the main reason for the decline in exports, AMI listed ASF-related restrictions on trade in German pork with third countries.
Denmark
Taxing Farming Key for Denmark’s Climate Target (Feb 21)
Denmark should aim to reduce beef and dairy production by levying an emissions tax on farming of USD 108/MT (750 Danish crowns) in order to reach its ambitious climate targets, the government's independent adviser said. Such a tax on farming will increase the incentive for farmers to switch to crops and pork production which emit less greenhouse gas than cattle, according to a report by the Danish Climate Council, which provides recommendations to the government. The new government said in December it sees an emissions tax on farming as crucial to achieving a binding target of reducing CO2 emissions by 70% of 1990 levels.
The End of the Uptrend on the Danish Piglet Market (Feb 23)
This time, after five weeks of increases, there was no change in rates on the Danish stock exchange. Negative PRRS piglets were valued at USD 88.88/head (DKK 620.00), and PRRS positive piglets at USD 86.01/head (DKK 600.00)d. The rates apply to weaners weighing 30 kg. Compared to prices from the same period last year (W9), the current prices for weaners are USD 54.47/head (DKK 380) higher depending on health status. In turn, compared to last week, the current rates have not changed.
Brazil
Rio Grande Do Sul Gains Reinforcement in Animal Health Diagnosis (Feb 22)
The Ministry of Agriculture approved in W8 the expansion of the accreditation of the Center for Research in Animal Health (IPVDF) for diagnosing African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRSS). The two diseases are of great importance for commercial swine farming and with the measure, the IPVDF starts to support the Mapa Swine Surveillance Plan. Before the extension, analyzes of Brucellosis, Classical Swine Fever, Disease and Aujezsky and scabies were already carried out. The Animal Sanitary Development and Defense Fund of Rio Grande do Sul paid for the entire laboratory accreditation process, such as Inmetro fees, equipment calibration and instrumentation verification.
São Paulo Pork Exchange Maintains Price at USD 165.47/@ (Feb 22)
The Paulista Association of Pork Breeders (APCS) and the São Paulo State Pork Exchange informed Feb 16 the maintenance of prices for live pigs. During the week, the exchange recorded the sale of 17.36K animals at USD 165.47/@ (R$155). According to Valdomiro Ferreira Junior, president of APCS, he stated that the exchange power between pork and corn under these conditions is one arroba for 1.8 bags of corn.
Average Pork Cost in the South Region Drops in January Based on New Calculation Parameters (Feb 23)
The Embrapa survey, through its Pig and Poultry Intelligence Center, pointed out that the cost of production of live pigs in the South region showed a significant drop in January as a result of changes made to the calculation parameters. The average cost in January came to USD 1.34 (R$6.96), down 12.6% and 6.7% over, respectively, last December and last year's January. Since the cost of creation in previous months has not been updated, the annual comparison is impaired.
Pork Price Rises More Than Competitors (Feb 24)
The average prices of pork, beef and chicken in this part of February are higher than those registered in January. Cepea researchers point out, however, that the valuation movement registered for pork protein is more intense than that observed for competing meats. In this context, pork protein has been losing competitiveness compared to other proteins this month. It is noteworthy that, as the average price of pork moves away from chicken and approaches the value of beef, the loss of competitiveness of pork protein occurs.
The Swine Industry’s Performance in 2022 (Feb 24)
The swine industry's performance in 2022 was accompanied by a large increase in production costs and marked volatility in producer prices. However, both pig slaughter and pork production showed significant increases that contributed to higher apparent consumption, which pushed per capita consumption to almost 20 kg/inhabitant. On the other hand, export activity continued to consolidate despite the slight decrease compared to the previous year. The latest forecast from USDA estimates a 4% growth in export volume in 2023, thus anticipating greater participation of Brazilian pork in international markets.
Average Daily Hog Price Continues to Show an Evolution of 18.1% In February (Feb 24)
Although the pork market is starting to show greater weakness in all sectors of the marketing chain, the average daily price of live pigs sold by pig farmers has remained stable over the last 14 days. The result is that monitoring carried out by SuiSite continues to indicate an increase of 18.1% in the average daily price during the month, slightly below the 19% of last year and the 4.9% indicated in the history of the last 13 years. With the retraction in pork turnover in the retail trade for the most difficult period of the month for consumers, refrigerators are reducing acquisitions and pressing for favorable prices.
Belgium
Lowest Pig Slaughter in 30 Years (Feb 24)
In Belgium, just under 310M livestock animals were slaughtered last year, a decrease of 2% compared to 2021, according to figures from the Belgian statistics agency Statbel. The number of pigs slaughtered in Belgium fell by almost 10% in 2022 to 10.5M pigs, a level not seen in 30 years. This is about 1M pigs less than the 11.6M slaughtered in 2021. Based on weight, pigs still account for the largest share of livestock slaughter in Belgium with 1.03 B kg, making up 60% of the total slaughtered weight in 2022.
France
Pork Imports and Exports in 2022 (Feb 22)
According to FranceAgriMer, French pork exports in volume fell in 2022 by 9.3% to 656K tec, plus 156K tec of offal. On the other hand, imports increased in 2022, in particular cold cuts. They are estimated at 655K tec (+7.9%), plus 77K tec offal. Globally, the trade balance remains positive (79K MT in 2022, compared to 197K MT in 2021). The self-sufficiency rate drops from 106.2% (2021) to 100.5% (2022).
Pig Production in France Is Declining (Feb 23)
Pig production in France is declining. Rising production costs and falling pork prices in 2021/22, together with the continued increase in increasingly restrictive regulations and more red tape, led to a drop in volumes of -2% in a year. This drop could have been even greater, if it had not been for the USD 372.56M (€350M) aid package launched by the French Ministry, according to the French inter-profession of pigs (Inaporc). The drop in production is expected to accelerate in 2023, as a consequence of the 2.6% reduction in the pig herd in 2022 compared to 2021. The self-sufficiency rate has been reduced from 105% in 2021 to 103% in 2022. However, pork remains France's favorite meat in 2022. Each inhabitant consumed more than 32 kg/year and it is even the only meat that has registered an increase in sales: +1.8% of total consumption in volume ( home + away from home) compared to 2021.
Mexico
Mexico Expands Opening for Brazilian Pork (Feb 23)
Mexico has expanded the opening of its market for Brazilian pork. Brazil can now export the product without the need for it to undergo thermal processing before being sold to consumers. With the sanitary requirements and the International Health Certificate (ICC) agreed upon between the two countries, on February 10, the commercialization began for raw pork, whole or in pieces, including mechanically separated meat and bacon, with no restriction in direct trade, without the need for processing.
Genesus Global Market Report for Mexican Pork in February 2023 (Feb 24)
Mexican live weight national average price remains down 1.35% weekly, while the price of carcass meat does not present weekly changes, with a price of USD 56.24/kg. Current national average price is USD 40.34/kg, slightly below the annual price average. Last Year Prices (Feb 2022 – Feb 2023) Minimum USD 28.40/kg and Maximum USD 51.70/kg. Last year average USD 41.75/kg while the average price of pork at the farm in Mexico is 70.81% above the price paid in the US. The difference for carcass meat is 77.92%, compared to its neighbor to the north. With such a marked difference in prices between the United States and Mexico, this country will continue to be the main export market for American pork.
Poland
New Records in Pig Purchases; Class E Is Getting Closer to the Limit of USD 2.50/KG (Feb 21)
Another week of massive price increases for fattening pigs is behind us. This was to be expected after Feb 15's price increase in Germany. The prices of fattening pigs then increased by USD 0.085 (8 euro cents), which is less than USD 0.091 (40 groszy) in the Polish currency. A similar price increase was also recorded in Poland. According to Feb 21’s poll, fatteners in class E currently cost nearly USD 2.41/kg (PLN 10.60), which is USD 0.091 (40 groszy) more than a week ago. It is worth mentioning that in some purchases fattening pigs cost as much as USD 2.46/kg (PLN 10.80). Assuming that the upward trend continues, another psychological limit of USD 2.50/kg (PLN 11) may break in a week's time. Similar increases were recorded in the case of pigs in live weight.
Retail Prices for Pork Products May Increase in Poland (Feb 25)
In February 2023, increases in purchase prices were observed on the European pig market, which were mainly due to the limited supply of livestock, Dr. Magdalena Kowalewska told PAP. She informed that already in 2022 it was possible to observe a dynamic increase in livestock prices on the domestic market. At the turn of 2022/23, these trends were temporarily reversed, but since February they have returned to an upward trend. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the average purchase price of pigs in Poland in mid-February 2023 was USD 1.88/kg (PLN 8.29), 13% more than a month ago and by 9% more than in the same period last year. This is a record high price level that has not been recorded so far, Kowalewska said. Referring to the data of the Central Statistical Office, she pointed out that in December 2022, the number of pigs in Poland amounted to 9.6M, which means a decrease of 6% YoY.
Austria
Fewer Pigs in Austria’s Stables (Feb 20)
The Austrian pig population fell by almost 5%. With 2.65M pigs, the local pig herd shrank more slowly than in other EU countries, but showed a worrying trend in the breeding sows. Both gilts and older sows were reduced by almost a tenth (6.5%). The number of sows covered also decreased by more than 7% to 146.5K. On the other hand, the decline in piglets was still moderate. With 635.8K animals, there were almost 3% fewer animals in the stables than in 2021.
United Kingdom
Pork Meat Exports From the UK (Feb 20)
The amount of pig meat exported in 2022 increased by 6% to 372.60K MT, with China remaining the largest importer of pork from the UK, taking 126.72K MT last year, valued at almost USD 216.52M (£203M). The Philippines remains the world’s third biggest importer of pig meat from the UK, with exports up 33% to 33.86K MT, worth USD 55.46M (£52M). Shipments to the US also increased with last year’s exports worth almost USD 29.87M (£28M).
Pig Meat Imports Are up by 9% In 2022 as Export Volumes Increase by 7% (Feb 22)
Imports of pig meat to the UK increased by 9% to just over 800K MT in 2022, while UK export volumes were up 7% to 373K MT. While overall pig meat imports increased by 69K MT where volumes of fresh and frozen pork imports were virtually identical to 2021, with a slight decline in fresh product being largely displaced by an increase in frozen pork. The increase was driven by higher volumes of bacon, up 19% in 2021, and sausages, up 22%, coming into the country. The UK’s biggest sources of imports continue to be the Netherlands, which increased its shipments to the UK by 28% (36.8K MT) last year, and Denmark, which, in contrast, saw import volumes fall by 6% (11.4K MT) continued decline in a trend of decline that was first established in 2017.
Q4 2022, Pork Cost of Production (Feb 22)
The latest AHDB quarterly cost of production and margin estimations have been published for 2022 Q4. These estimates use the latest performance figures for breeding and finishing herds for the 12 months ending 31 December 2022. It indicates that the full economic cost of production for 2022 Q4 is estimated at 224p/kg deadweight, with margins per slaughter pig estimated at -USD 18.15/head (-£17). The estimated cost of production has fallen by 3p/kg from Q3, when the estimated cost of production stood at 227p/kg. Energy costs, stemming from rising fuel and gas prices, have reached yearly highs in Q4, impacting on transport, rearing and finishing costs. Increases in mortgages and other interest rates have increased costs relating to capital, buildings, and equipment.
The Huge Decline Recorded in English Pig Breeding Herd as Crisis Takes Its Toll (Feb 23)
England’s female pig breeding herd suffered a massive decline in 2022, as the industry endured massive financial losses on the back of soaring input costs and the pig backlog. Defra census figures for December 2022 show a 20% decrease in the female breeding herd, compared with December 2021, alongside a 9.2% drop in total number of pigs in England. The female breeding herd numbered 237K at the end of 2022, compared with 295K in December 2021 and 317K in 2020. The number of in-pig sows dropped from 200.81K in December 2021 to 169.55K, 15.6% lower, while in-pig gilt numbers fell from just under 42.86K to 29.41K, a proportionally greater 31.4% reduction.
UK Pig Meat Production Falls in January (Feb 23)
The latest production figures released from Defra show that the UK produced 79.4K MT of pig meat in January, according to AHDB. This is down 500MT from December 2022, and down 7% (6.1K MT) from volumes seen at the same time last year. The production of pig meat in January 2023 is the lowest monthly figure since January 2021, sitting 4% (-3.4K MT) behind the 5-year average for the month. The decline in production has been driven by reduced slaughtering. Clean pig kill for January stood at 863.7K head, down 21.9K head from December 2022 and 9.1K head behind numbers seen this time last year. Following the same pattern as production volumes, this is the lowest monthly number of clean pigs slaughtered since January 2021.
Russia
The Number of Pigs Has Decreased in Tatarstan (Feb 20)
The number of pigs in Tatarstan decreased. At the end of 2022, 468.5K of them were registered in the farms of the republic, which is 0.9% less than in the same period of the previous year.
In Primorye, the First Focus of African Swine Fever Was Detected in 2023 (Feb 20)
The first outbreak of the African swine fever virus in 2023 was detected in Primorye, Russia. In the summer of 2019, ASF was first recorded in Primorye, which for three years forced the authorities to introduce quarantine measures in different regions of the region. The last focus of African plague was discovered and eradicated in the Border Region of Primorye in the spring of 2022. Specialists of hunting supervision and protected natural areas note that the number of wild boar has more than halved during the fight against ASF. This was one of the reasons why tigers began to come out to settlements in the Far East more often in search of food.
China
China Builds Pig Farm as High as Big Ben (Feb 20)
Pigs are still a headache in China. Reduced supply of pork and minimal land for livestock to make China think. A 26-storey skyscraper was eventually built for the farm of one of these mammals. There are at least two skyscrapers housing pigs, on the outskirts of Ezhou, a city on the south bank of the Yangtze River. It is billed as the world's largest pig farm. The pig 'kingdom' is expected to raise 1.2M pigs annually. There are two main buildings, where the first building was completed in October 2022, and the second building will be finished in 2023. Actually the farm was built by Hubei Zhongxin Kaiwei. The company has Chinese ambitions to modernize pork production.
China’s Pork Prices Fell in January (Feb 20)
Pork prices in China went down last month, official data showed. The average pork price index in 16 provincial-level regions tracked by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs was USD 2.9/kg (19.89 yuan) in January, down 21.4% MoM. The price index dropped 23.8% compared with the same period last year, according to the ministry. The National Development and Reform Commission said in W7 that it would stockpile 20K MT of frozen pork to replenish state reserves. The commission added that it would work with relevant departments to start this year's first stockpiling work for state pork reserves and guide local governments to purchase pork.
China Will Freeze 20K MT of Pork to Try to Stabilize the Market (Feb 21)
The National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (NDRC) is going to carry out the first batch of collection and storage of frozen pork reserves after detecting a significant drop in prices. Specifically, as indicated by the Xinhua news agency, the storage of 20K MT of pork has been announced to replenish state reserves and thus tries to ensure that the prices of live pigs "return to a reasonable range as soon as possible. The NDRC has also urged local governments to simultaneously purchase and store pork reserves. According to what they say, the price of live pigs is at a low level.
In W8, frozen pork ham and shoulder wholesale prices in Beijing, China, rose 8.6% WoW, 3.1% MoM, and 37% YoY to USD 2.75/kg (CNY 19), their highest level so far into 2023. This week's level represents the second consecutive WoW increase and the first MoM increase since the start of the year, signaling that the downward trend in which prices were trading seems to have ended after touching multi-month lows in early February. Behind the sudden increase is China's government's recent announcement that it would stockpile 20K MT of frozen pork for state reserves, in a measure to stabilize prices. The sudden demand brought by the government's intended purchase served to increase prices. Prices had fallen to new lows as domestic supply has recovered well after bouts of African swine fever hit the country's herd in past years. As a result, imports from Brazil and Spain, among other, fell YoY in 2022.
Jiuquan City in Gansu Province Strengthens the Prevention and Control of Major Animal Diseases (Feb 21)
In recent years, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province has strictly implemented the "five normalized" prevention and control requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the "Implementation Plan for Regionalized Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever and Other Major Animal Diseases in the Northwest Region (Trial)". This helps to further strengthen African swine fever, H7N9 influenza and other major animal epidemics, the "one-to-one" supervision of the breeding process, the implementation of the "two systems" in the slaughterhouse, and the elimination of the use of swill or kitchen leftovers to feed pigs and other key prevention and control measures.
China Lifts Restrictions on Colombian Pork (Feb 22)
As a result of the country recovering its FMD-free status with vaccination in 2020, and the joint work between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), and the Colombian livestock sector, the General Administration of Customs and The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) announced the lifting of restrictions to advance the process of admissibility of beef and pork destined for China. In 2022, the ICA and GACC held meetings in which they reviewed technical aspects of epidemiological surveillance and control and monitoring and evaluation systems in Colombia for officially controlled diseases. Commitments were made by the Institute to advance the process.
The National Average Price of Piglets Went Up 2.0% WoW and 35.1% YoY (Feb 23)
The national average price of piglets is USD 4.95/kg (34.13 yuan), up 2.0% from the previous week and 35.1% YoY. The average price of piglets in 4 provinces including Tianjin fell. The average price of piglets in Northwest China was higher at USD 36.77/kg (36.77 yuan); the average price of piglets in Southwest China was lower at USD 4.23/kg (29.21 yuan).
Portugal
Reduction of Pig Slaughter in 2022 (Feb 22)
According to the data published by the GPP, provided by the INE as preliminary data, regarding the slaughter of pigs in Portugal in 2022, these show a reduction of 0.2% in the total number of pigs slaughtered (-8.68K heads) and a reduction of 2. 8% in weight (-9.98K MT) compared to 2021. This is a trend that is once again verified, after a decrease in 2021 has already been registered. With regard to piglets, there was an increase in the slaughter of this type of animal (+4.9%) in 2022 when compared to 2021, as the number of heads slaughtered was 1.46M compared to 1.40M heads of the previous year. The weight slaughtered also increased, rising 5.2%, having gone from 9.77K MT in 2021 to 10.28K MT in 2022.
Increase in Imports of Pork Products in 2022 (Feb 24)
According to data published by the GPP, provided by the INE as preliminary data, regarding Portugal's external trade, the entry of pigs for slaughter increased by 8.9% in 2022 when compared to 2021, going from 948.62K heads, in 2021, to 1.03M heads, in 2022. Imports of frozen, refrigerated meat and offal increased across the board, although the greatest variation in volume transacted was in offal, with an increase of 19% from 2021 to 2022. Frozen meat increased by 16%, passing from 23.51K MT, in 2021, to 27.28K MT, in 2022. Likewise, for fresh/chilled meat, the increase in imports was 5.7%, rising from 69.30K MT in 2021 to 73.26K MT in 2022.
Thailand
The Spread of Illegal Pork in the Market Presses the Thai Pork Price to Collapse (Feb 22)
Veterinarian Worawut Siripun, chairman of the Chachoengsao Swine Raising Club, revealed the situation in which the price of pigs in front of the farm was falling unevenly for several weeks. Until now, the average price was USD 2.42- 2.54/kg (84-88 baht) but the actual selling price has been depressed to about USD 2.02/kg (70 baht) while the average production cost was USD 2.89/kg (100.07 baht). "An army of wild pigs" that still overwhelms the city is expected that the minority will gradually stop raising the party. They asked the government to prevent them from entering Thailand, they don't have to catch up with them. Recently, the Customs Department announced the opening of more than 1K containers left behind in the White Port project. Pig farmers confirm that they are ready to participate in the inspection.
Vietnam
More Than 5MT of Live Pigs Are Suspected of Having African Swine Fever (Feb 24)
Currently, Tra Vinh province has a total herd of over 64K pigs. The price of live pigs is at a low level, from USD 1.60- 1.69/kg (38K - 40K VND), while animal feed has increased, leading to no profit for farmers. Recently, the situation of African swine fever (DTHCP) has been complicated, greatly affecting the re-herd in households. According to Tra Vinh Province's Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine, from the beginning of the year until now, 6 clusters of HFMD have been detected in the province. In which, there are 124 pigs suspected of having ASF with a weight of 5.08kg from 6 farming households in Cau Ke, Tra Cu and Cau Ngang districts. The professional sector has coordinated with the locality to spray and suppress the epidemic according to regulations.
Live hog price (Feb 26)
Live hog price on Feb 26 was at USD 2.02- 2.23/kg (48K - 53K VND). In W8, the live hog market in 3 regions fluctuated from USD 0.042- 0.13/kg (1K to 3K VND).
Paraguay
Paraguay Presents the Quality of Its Pork Meat to Taiwanese Businessmen (Feb 20)
Within the framework of the official visit to the Republic of China, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez participated in the event "Promotion of Meat Products and Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Paraguay" before Taiwanese businessmen in the field of meat. On the occasion, they signed a letter of intent from Taiwanese businessmen wishing to import more pork from Paraguay.
Pork Price in Paraguay Registered a Rise of 9% (Feb 20)
Paraguay registered a price of USD 1.39/kg as of February 10, which meant an increase in values of 11 cents (9%), compared to the same period last year. If the behavior of prices so far this year is analyzed, this value is higher than the average of USD 1.27/kg that was obtained in the first weeks of 2023. Although Paraguay maintains the lowest price in South America, it has come close to the values of other reference markets such as Brazil (USD 1.43/kg) and Russia (USD 141/kg). According to the ACCP report, during this period the other important prices of hogs in the world were from Argentina (USD 1.71/kg), Uruguay (USD 1.92/kg), Chile (USD 1.58/kg), Colombia (USD 2.11/kg), Mexico (USD 1.78/kg) and China (USD 2.20/kg).
Ukraine
During January 2023, Ukraine Imported Four Times Less Pork (Feb 20)
During January 2023, Ukraine imported 1.9K MT of pork, which is 3.5 times less than in the same period last year. This is evidenced by the data of the State Customs Service. In monetary terms, imports for the first month of 2023 decreased by three times compared to January 2022, to USD 3.9M. In January of this year, pork was imported mainly from Denmark (35%), the Netherlands (33.8%) and Belgium (14.1%). At the same time, the volume of imports in January is three times higher than in December 2022.
ASF Cases in Ukraine Decreased by 44% in 2022 (Feb 22)
In recent years, the number of African swine fever (ASF) cases has been decreasing in Ukraine due to compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements and timely localization of outbreaks. Thus, in 2022, 9 cases were recorded against 16 a year earlier (-44%). Regionally, the largest number of ASF outbreaks last year was in Sumy Oblast with 3 cases, Mykolaiv Oblast 2, in Chernihiv Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast, Kyiv Oblast and Zhytomyr Oblast 1 each.
The Number of ASF Cases Has Been Decreasing in Recent Years (Feb 23)
Due to the persistent daily work of the specialists of the State Production and Consumer Service , who, despite the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, were able to implement the entire complex of anti-epizootic measures on time and at the proper level, last year the epizootic well-being in the country was preserved. During 2022, 6.5 million vaccinations of pigs against classical swine fever were carried out. Specialists of the State Production and Consumer Service state that the number of cases of ASF has been decreasing in Ukraine in recent years, due to compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements and timely localization of outbreaks. Thus, 16 cases were registered in 2021, and already in 2022, 9 cases: 1 each in Chernihiv, Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Kirovohrad regions, 2 in Mykolaiv and 3 in Sumy regions.
Philippines
ASF Recovery Aid Given to 4th Batch of Philippines, Ilocos Norte Hog Raisers (Feb 23)
At least 230 hog raisers from Ilocos Norte province who were previously hit by the African swine fever (ASF) have received recovery aid courtesy of the provincial government. Provincial veterinarian Loida Valenzuela confirmed this on Feb 23, saying that the beneficiaries included those not covered by insurance packages from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
Rwanda
Strange Disease Kills Over 200 Pigs in Musanze (Feb 22)
A disease yet to be identified has killed over 200 pigs in Musanze District leading to a pause in movement and consumption in some areas. According to the district authorities, the case was traced in the Muko sector, Songa cell, where the allegedly unknown disease killed 38 old pigs, 216 piglets on February 17 owned by a local farmer, Alex Uwamahoro. There are concerns about the number going up, local residents say. However, there is no additional information regarding how many more pigs are infected, or developing symptoms at the moment.
RAB Warns Against Pork Consumption in Musanze Over Swine Erysipelas (Feb 24)
Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) has warned residents in Musanze against pork consumption following the 'swine erysipelas' illness identified in Muko Sector. Swine erysipelas is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, commonly characterized by fever, skin lesions on pigs, and sudden death. It is one of the oldest recognized diseases that affect growing and adult swine. Reports on the unknown illness at the time which killed over 200 pigs in Musanze's Muko sector emerged, pausing the movement and consumption of pigs in some neighboring sectors. According to district officials, the disease killed 38 old pigs, 216 piglets on February 17 that belonged to farmer Alex Uwamahoro.
Peru
Peruvian Pork Sector Loses USD 15.77M Due to Conflicts (Feb 24)
Pork producers in Peru have recorded losses of approximately USD 15.77M (S/60M) due to road blocks. These blockages prevented around 500 pigs a day from being taken to slaughterhouses. Each pig costs approximately USD 0.26K (S/1K). Furthermore, the inputs used to feed the pigs could not be transferred to the producing areas, which resulted in price increases. This information was provided by Asoporci's manager, Ana María Trelles Ponce.
