March 20, 2023

 

Pork producers in China downplay potential impact of fresh ASF infections on output

 

 

 

China's hog production capacity and prices remain stable and resilient with no particular impact from African swine fever (ASF), thanks to ramped up efforts already in place to secure safe manufacturing and supply, major pork producers and an industry group told the Global Times on March 17.

 

The remarks were made as ASF came under the spotlight after reports from foreign media stated it would have a big impact on production and prices.

 

A surge in ASF infections in China is set to reduce hog output later this year, Reuters reported, citing farm managers and analysts, indicating that hog prices will be pushed up as demand recovers. Its report, citing a report released by Huachuang Securities, said that the current swine fever infection area in the northern production area of China may be nearing 50%.

 

Chinese pig farm owners and an industry representative group denied the claims in the report when reached by the Global Times, assuring the public that domestic hog production and prices currently remain stable and resilient.

 

An employee with leading pork producer Muyuan Food Co said that there has been no particular impact from ASF, after the company formed a prevention and control management system in response to major animal infectious diseases.

 

For example, pig farms are equipped with air ventilation systems and personnel frequently disinfect the plants so as to ensure the hygiene of the pig farms.

 

Another employee with Luoyang CP Food Co, a large pork producer in Central China's Luoyang, Henan Province, said that corresponding preventative measures have already been taken, as the disease started several years ago.

 

Both producers denied that there had been any impact from swine fever on their hog production.

 

"Since the hog price is at a fairly low level, some may intend to speculate on the market to push up the price," a source with the China Meat Association (CMA) said. He noted that as this is a serious issue, and "any attempt at market speculation will bring no good to business operations and industry supply chains."

 

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that domestic pork production came to 55.41 million tonnes in 2022, accounting for 44.5% of the global total. The annual share was also relatively stable.

 

Currently, pork production capacity is at a reasonable level, and there are no conditions for a sharp increase, Fu Linghui, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, said at a recent press conference.

 

- Global Times