January 10, 2008

Pork consumption in China at 65 percent despite price hikes

Pork remains China's primary source of protein, accounting for 65 percent of the total meat consumption, despite the record price hikes, according to the European Market Survey on December 2007.

The European survey indicated only a slight shift toward poultry and other cheap protein sources in China while pork prices are high. The limited availability of the other meat was not enough to offset the reduction in pork supplies.

Chinese pig production in 2007 was forecast to fall by 10 percent caused mainly by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome outbreak.

Shortages in domestic supplies have triggered a surge in pork prices, with prices in Liaoning province jumping by 98 percent on-year during the September quarter.

China's pork imports are projected to rise in 2008 due to slow recovery in the domestic industry and increased demand.