February 7, 2020

China's meat imports affected by coronavirus

Tyson Foods and US agricultural groups said meat shipments to China meant to supplement dwindling pork supplies caused by the African swine fever (ASF) are being disrupted by the coronavirus, reported Reuters.

The coronavirus outbreak in China has resulted in workers staying home, which mean stores, restaurants and ports are understaffed - ports in particular are slow in unloading products, disrupting China's efforts to maintain enough meat supply in the country.

Global companies like Tyson Foods from the US and JBS SA from Brazil are finding it difficult from China's meat shortage due to the disruptions.

Noel White, Tyson chief executive said there are disruptions at China's ports, which have skewed shipments and receivals. However, Tyson continues to ship meat to China and has additional orders.

He said there will be increased demand for meat once the coronavirus incident settles.

Peter Friedmann, Agriculture Transportation Coalitionexecutive director saidports in China at full capacity for refrigerated containers and outlets as there aren't enough workers receiving stock. All plugs are used up at ports in Shanghai and Xingang.

Friedmann said some meat exporters are either selling stock to other countries or shifting to another Chinese port.

-      Reuters