November 26, 2024

 

ASF crisis in Dominican Republic boosts US pork exports

The Dominican Republic's prolonged struggle with African swine fever (ASF) has opened new opportunities for US pork producers as the disease becomes endemic in the Caribbean nation.

 

Despite initial emergency efforts, ASF outbreaks have resurfaced in 2024, significantly reducing local pork production and increasing reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.

 

ASF was first detected in the Dominican Republic in July 2021, leading to emergency measures aimed at containment. However, limited resources and inadequate surveillance allowed the disease to spread rapidly. By September 2024, authorities reported a 30% reduction in the national swine herd, with nearly 210,000 swine culled since the outbreak began. Small-scale and backyard farmers, heavily reliant on swine farming for their livelihoods, have been particularly affected.

 

Efforts to control ASF have faced significant challenges, with the positivity rate of tested samples exceeding 1% in 2024. Outbreaks have been reported in 28 out of 31 provinces. While the government, with support from USDA and international organizations, has implemented enhanced biosecurity measures and vaccination trials, the goal of eradicating ASF remains distant.

 

The decline in local production has forced the Dominican Republic to increase pork imports to stabilise its supply. In 2023, the country imported a record 101,324 metric tonnes of pork, with US producers accounting for 94% of the total. By mid-2024, imports had risen by 3% compared to the same period the previous year, suggesting another record-breaking year for pork imports.

 

The reliability and quality of US pork have made it a preferred choice in the Dominican market, particularly as local buyers face shortages caused by ASF. While the United States remains the leading supplier, Brazil has recently entered the market, increasing competition among exporters.

 

ASF-induced shortages have driven pork prices higher, with average retail prices rising by 10% since the disease was first detected. In response, the Dominican government has introduced financial programmes, including the Pignoracion Programme, which provides storage subsidies and low-interest loans to farmers. However, these measures have provided limited relief as the economic impact of ASF continues to weigh on the country.

 

The Dominican government, in collaboration with USDA/APHIS, is shifting focus toward long-term strategies for ASF management. Initiatives such as biosecurity loans for farmers aim to mitigate the impact of the disease. However, the increasing dependence on imports underscores the urgency of restoring local production.

 

For US pork producers, the ASF crisis in the Dominican Republic highlights both the opportunities and challenges of expanding export markets in the face of global disease outbreaks. As the Dominican market evolves, US exporters will need to stay vigilant and adapt to shifting trade dynamics and intensifying competition.

 

-      Swineweb