August 9, 2005

US imports fewer live hogs from Canada

US imports of Canadian market hogs from January to mid-June this year were down 17 percent, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Increased slaughter capacity in Canada and the relatively strong Canadian dollar were seen to have contributed to the reduction in US imports.

Despite increased slaughter capacity in Canada, the US has imported nine percent less pork from Canada so far this year.

Meanwhile, US pork exports surged 24 percent from January to April 2005, with Canada and Japan leading the increase as importers so far this year.

In 2004, Japan was the leading importer of US pork at 921 million pounds.

US pork production was expected to show minimal increases in the next 12 months, amid little growth in domestic supplies and reduced imports of live animals from Canada, reports said.