March 8, 2022

China's meat imports in January and February 2022 33% lower year-on-year

Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed the country's meat imports in January and February this year were 33% lower compared to the same period in 2021 as rising domestic supplies curbed appetite for international shipments, Reuters reported.

China purchased 1.07 million tonnes of meat in the first two months of 2022, 33% lower compared to the 1.6 million tonnes imported in January and February 2021.

Data in January and February are combined because of the Lunar New Year holidays.

China's pork prices have declined last year thanks to expanded domestic meat production in the country, as China steadily recovers from an African swine fever outbreak.

As domestic prices dropped, imports were down in the later months of 2021. China increased import tariffs on most pork products in 2022.

The country's total sow herd is 42.9 million heads at the end of January 2022, 2% higher from 2021 based on official data. Ample domestic supplies and low pork prices are set to further weigh on imports over the next few months.

-      Reuters