China's pork imports in June rose sharply compared to the same month last year, customs data showed on Tuesday, as the world's biggest consumer of the meat replenishes stocks after an outbreak of swine fever in the African country decimated its domestic herd.
China imported 160,467 tons of pork in June, an increase of 62.8% compared to the same month last year, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. The number represents a drop of 14% compared to the 187,459 tons imported in May.
The increase comes amid the spread of African swine fever in the world's largest pig herd, which has reduced production and put pressure on prices of the country's favorite meat.
China's pork imports in the first six months of the year reached 818,703 tonnes, an increase of 26.3% from the previous year.
Wholesale pork prices in China rose rapidly in the first half of March, prompting large purchases of meat from foreign markets, including the United States. Prices have been rising rapidly in recent weeks, with the average wholesale pork price rising 36.4% year-on-year to 23.76 yuan ($3.45) per kilogram on July 19.
Retail pork prices have also increased in recent weeks, but at a slower pace than wholesale prices, with a year-on-year increase of 34.6% to 27.29 yuan per kilogram in 10 July.
Meanwhile, China's first-half pork production fell less than expected, decreasing 5.5% to 24.7 million tonnes.
African swine fever kills almost all the pigs it infects, but is not harmful to humans. There is no vaccine or cure for it.
Post: Marina Carvejani
Authors: Hallie Gu and Shivani Singh
Source: Notícias Agrícolas
