April 14, 2005

World pork exports reach record high

Global pork exports are expected to increase 2 percent in 2005 to a record 4.6 million tonnes.

The largest exporter, the EU, will see a slight decrease from 1.4 million tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes. The EU, with China and the US, account for 86 percent of global production of about 94 million tonnes.

Imports worldwide will also rise 6 percent to 4 million tonnes in 2004. Russia and Japan are expected to remain important consumers.

A weak US dollar, avian influenza, and mad cow disease is causing pork to become increasingly attractive.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has helped ease pork production and trade across the US, Canada, and Mexico.