November 26, 2019

 

China's pork imports doubled in October compared to last year

Wholesalers in the country are stocking swine supplies as October's imports hit 177,426 tonnes, more than the 161,836 tonnes in September, reported Reuters.

 

According to China's General Administration of Customs data, a total of 1.5 million tonnes of swine were imported into China between January to October 2019, a 49% increase compared to the same period in 2018.

 

This data only takes muscle cuts into account. Non-muscle parts such as variety meats and offal are not included in the data.

 

Retail swine prices in China rose 148% in October compared to 2018, at 59 RMB (US$8.38; 1 RMB = US$0.14) per kilogram as supplies of the meat have dwindled, resulting in a food inflation.

 

New sources of meat have been approved for import by China to alleviate the supply shortfall, which includes Argentina, Brazil and the United Kingdom.

 

According to the customs website, China received its first cargo of pork from Italy this week while chilled pork from Argentina has been recently shipped.

 

Smithfield, a top US swine processor, has converted a slaughterhouse to export swine carcasses to China.

 

The shortfall of swine in China has also resulted in increased imports of beef. October beef arrivals are 63.2% more in October compared to 2018, at 150,829 tonnes.

 

Between January to October 2019, 1.28 million tonnes of beef were imported to China, 54.5% more than the same period in 2018, said customs. The increase in meat imports is due to China's expanding middle class.

 

Additionally, poultry imports to China have increased 64% in October compared to 2018 at 66,921 tonnes.

 

-  Reuters