December 19, 2006

Australian pork prices climb for festive season

Australian demand for pork products has improved this Christmas, and prices have lifted at retail level.

Australia's pork industry has been struggling against imports for the past few years, and a strong Australian dollar have been deterring exports.

Prices are not keeping pace with increased production costs, producers said. Margins are already thin and is close to production cost. 

Exporters and processors tend to be choosy on the pigs that can be exported, and in the end, the various fees slice the margins so thin many producers have given up on it.