China imported 430.000 tonnes of pork in July, customs data showed late on Sunday (23.08.2020), un 136% more than in the same month of the previous year and a record monthly volume, Despite strict cargo controls which had delayed clearance at the ports.
Chinese importers have been bringing in huge volumes of meat this year to cover a major domestic supply shortage after an African swine fever epidemic killed millions of pigs in China.
July imports were even higher than the 400.000 tonnes in June, which had been the highest on record, along with the same amount in April.
The huge imports came even after China began testing containers of frozen food for the presence of the new coronavirus in June, slowing the clearance of meat cargoes at ports until July.
China has also asked overseas plants to suspend shipments if they experience coronavirus cases among workers.Work at dozens of plants has been temporarily halted, even though most experts say there is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted through food.
Pork imports from January to July reached 2,56 million tons, compared with just over 1 million tonnes a year ago.
Imports of pork, including offal, in July reached 560.000 tonnes, bringing total imports this year through the end of July to 3,38 million tonnes, the data also showed.
imports of Beef in July reached 210.000 tons, customs said, with shipments during the first seven months reaching 1,2 million tonnes.
Source: Reuters
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
