November 5, 2020

China flying in record numbers of live swine

China has imported 15,346 live swine worth US$32 million between January to September 2020, a record number in an effort to boost genetics and improve productivity, as the country steadily repopulates its swine herd, Bloomberg reported.

China's General Administration of Customs data showed last year's imported live swine value was US$3 million, US$13 million in 2018 and US$21 million in 2017.

China sources live swine from Denmark, France and the United Kingdom.

China's National Bureau of Statistics data showed the country's swine herds are recovering, with breeding sows up 28% compared to last year at 38 million by end September 2020.

Lin Guofa, a senior analyst at Bric Agriculture Group, said many farms keep sow that would have been used for meat for breeding, resulting in less productive swine.

Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology told investors that they plan to increase their total imports of live swine. The company is one of China's top 10 swine breeders.

Customs data showed China has approved live swine imports from Chile and Finland, and resumed imports from the United States this year. China imported most of its live swine in 2017 and 2018 from the US.

-   Bloomberg