April 23, 2012

Global pork production for 2012 is expected to be around 104 million tonnes, with China, the EU, and the US accounting for a majority of the growth.

According to the USDA Livestock & Poultry: World Markets & Trade, China is forecast up 320,000 tonnes to 51.6 million tonnes as rising producer returns stimulated the use of higher quality feeds. Government supports also encourage expansion and improved swine genetics. Disease outbreaks are reportedly milder and less prevalent because of favourable weather and vaccination efforts.

EU is raised 135,000 tonnes to 22.6 million tonnes on higher than expected swine breeding efficiency, likely caused by industry restructuring.

The US is forecast up 96,000 tonnes to 10.6 million tonnes on increased sow productivity and slightly heavier weights.

Russia is raised 80,000 tonnes to 2.1 million tonnes on expansion of modern, large-scale swine operations aided by government support. This growth outweighs lower production by small operations and private households.

Greater volumes are expected from Mexico, up 35,000 tonnes to 1.2 million tonnes, due to heavier slaughter weights brought about by improved production practices and growth from the export segment of the industry.

South Korea is down 28,000 tonnes to 982,000 tonnes as herd re-building, following the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, is slowed by tight supplies of sows and lower breeding productivity.