October 19, 2020

Germany discussing with Asian countries about lifting ban on pork imports

Julia Kloeckner, Germany's Agriculture Minister said they have received cautious, positive signals in discussions with Asian countries about lifting ban on German pork imports, Reuters reported.

China and other Asian countries imposed a ban on German pork imports following Germany's first African swine fever (ASF) report on September 10. This crashed pork prices in Germany, but it has currently steadied.

Kloeckner told a farming conference in Germany that the government remains in discussion to reopen German pork exports, adding that China, Japan and South Korea are major export markets especially for pork parts not eaten in Europe.

She said these discussions include "regionalisation agreements" which could only ban pork from areas affected by ASF, rather than a nationwide ban.

The Agriculture Minister said she had met a delegation from Japan about the issue.

She said neither the EU Commission or an EU member state has been able to agree to a regionalisation idea with Asia.

There are 64 confirmed ASF cases in Germany, all limited to Brandenburg state east of the country among wild boar.

-      Reuters