August 6, 2020

Fiji pig association expresses concern over impact of pork imports from Australia

The president of the Fiji Pig Association, Simon Cole, has voiced concern over pork imports from Australia that are cheaper in Fiji than those sold in Australia

According to Cole, Fiji is now facing an additional threat to its previously robust but now fragile pig production industry.

In fact, two of the country’s three major pork producers are reducing their output by 40%. Cole said the development reflects the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that has crippled its tourism industry and impact 60% of the market for pork sales.

Cole added the association is concerned the Australian pig industry is the only party that stands to benefit from exporting Australian pork to Fiji. According to him, Australian pork lands in Fiji at F$7 (US$3.29) a kilo. With the importer making their profit, the price could increase by an additional 20%, or to F$8.40 (US$3.95) at retail. He said local pork currently retails at between F$8 (US$3.76) and F$9 (US$4.23) per kilo.

Cole also pointed out that Australian pork imports are upsetting the market and interfering with the Fijian industry’s efforts to return to normality.

It has also been confirmed that the association members are selling carcass pork at F$7 (US$3.29) a kilo at the farm gate, a significantly reduced price that reflects the loss of the tourism market and a contraction of the consumer purchasing power.

Cole said the retail price for pork has fallen by 50% in most cases as butchers strive to find new outlets for their pork. Additionally, he highlighted the need for Fiji to maintain its own food security while also upkeeping the competitiveness of local pig/pork productions.

- Fiji Village