June 12, 2007

China's pork output accounts for half of global production

According to the organising committee of the Fourth IMS (International Meat Secretariat) World Pork Congress, to be held in Nanjing from Sep 14-17 this year, China's 2006 pork output had reached 51.97 million tonnes, accounting for 50.1 percent of the world's output of the meat.

At the meeting of the organising committee held on June 8, Li Shuilong, Chairman of China's Meat Association, said that China is already the world's biggest pork producer and consumer. Despite reduced live hog inventories in 2006, pork consumption had maintained its upward trend throughout that year, he added.

Pork consumption per capita in 2006 stood at 39.6 kilogram, an increase of 1.3 kg compared with 2005. Pork had remained as an important meat source for the Chinese people, making up 60 percent of total meat consumption.

Reflecting increasing societal affluence, poultry and egg consumption in China had also risen in the past few years. Per capita consumption of poultry and egg had reached 22.4 kg last year. Total production of poultry and egg had also increased to 29.46 million tonnes.

The World Pork Congress is a biennial event hosted by member countries of the IMS. September's congress will be the first time that it is held in an Asian country.

RMB1=US$0.1308 (Jun 12)