May 23, 2007

Pork prices soar across China

Pork prices in various Chinese cities are soaring as a shortage becomes more acute.

Chicken and egg prices have also risen, along with pork prices, the Beijing News reported.

Pork prices have been rising since the beginning of the month from RMB 16.40 (US$2.14) up to RMB 18.80 per kilogramme in Shandong province. In some areas pork prices have risen 20 percent in a month and reached 10-year highs.

In Changchun in Northeast China's Jilin Province, pork prices are now almost on par with that of beef at RMB 24 a kg, the report said.

Over in Shenyang in Liaoning Province, also in Northeast China, pork prices were nearly double of what they were a year ago.

The high cost of animal feed and the prevalence of pig diseases which wiped out large pig populations were blamed for the higher pork costs.