September 12, 2022

USDA expects moderate growth for Latin American swine production this year

Moderate growth is projected for Latin America's swine production in 2022, but exports from Brazil, Mexico and Chile will fall, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Significant growth is expected in imports from Mexico and Argentina.

In Latin America, swine production this year is expected to total 7.836 million tonnes, which represents an increase of 0.4% compared to 2021 (7.806 million tonnes). On the other hand, estimates for international trade indicate a 6.0% drop in exports and a 6.2% increase in imports. Apparent consumption should grow by 3.4%, from 7.700 million tonnes to 7.959 million tonnes.

Pork production in the region's highest-producing country is expected to decrease by 0.6% compared to 2021, going from 4.365 million tonnes to 4.340 million tonnes. Likewise, the volume of exports is projected to reach 1.250 million tonnes, which represents a decrease of 5.4% compared to the previous year (1.321 million tonnes). Imports are to remain at 3,000 tonnes and apparent consumption should grow by 1.5%.

Production in Mexico is expected to reach 1.535 million tonnes, 3.4% above the 2021 total (1.484 million tonnes). With this production volume, the Central American country would continue to rank second in Latin American swine production. It is estimated that imports will grow by 8.2% compared to 2021, going from 1.155 million tonnes to 1.250 million tonnes, respectively, thus maintaining its position as the largest importer in the region. Exports are expected to decrease by 6.0%, from 319,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes.

Argentina's pork production is expected to increase by 0.7% with respect to the previous year, from 695,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes. A 40% drop in the volume of exports is estimated, reaching only 12,000 tonnes. However, imports are expected to grow by 20% and apparent consumption would increase by 3.2%, reaching 748,000 tonnes.

- Pig333