Chinese pork imports in August doubled compared to the previous year to 350.000 tonnes, customs data showed on Wednesday (23.09.2020), as the Asian country built up its meat reserves to cover a huge deficit at home.
Imports, however, slowed from the previous month's record of 430.000 tonnes as coronavirus outbreaks at some plants in major exporting countries reduced the number of plants allowed to ship to China.
Chinese importers have brought in large volumes of meat this year after African swine fever killed millions of pigs over the past two years in the world's top pork producer.
Pork imports from January to August stood at 2,91 million tonnes, up 133,7% than in the corresponding period of 2019.
Imports could slow further after China banned shipments from Germany, its third-largest supplier, this month following reports of African swine fever in wild boars.
However, China's pig production is expected to rebound after its pig herd grew by 31% in August this year, following major efforts since last year to rebuild the herd.
Domestic pork prices had dropped to 44 yuan per kg last week after touching 51 yuan in early July, but are still nearly double that of the corresponding period last year.
Imports of pork, including offal, reached 450.000 tonnes, bringing total imports for the year to August to 3,83 million tonnes., the data also showed.
According to customs, beef imports in August reached 190.000 tons, 44,5% more than in the year, with shipments in the first eight months reaching 1,39 million tonnes.
Source: Reuters
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