January 25, 2011

China releases meat stockpiles in Xinjiang

China has released state meat reserves to northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to ensure adequate supplies during the upcoming Lunar New Year, the Ministry of Commerce said Monday (Jan 24).

From Monday to February 9, over 1,000 tonnes of mutton, beef and pork will be put on markets in Xinjiang's capital city of Urumqi, and other regions including Shihezi, Wujiaqu and Beitun, the ministry said in a statement.

The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival that falls on February 3 this year is the most important holiday for the Chinese.

The ministry said the average wholesale price of fresh pork during the January 10-16 period rose 0.2% from the previous week, as the holiday season approached.