China's pig herd in recovery
hina's official channels are predicting a full recovery in the national pig inventory for this year. According to Xin Guochang, an official with the ministry's livestock department, the country's swine herd grew 24% in the 12 months to May, with an almost complete recovery from the recent outbreak of African swine fever.
The size of the herds is close to normal for this time of year, Xin Guochang, said in an interview with the state TV channel. About 3.5 million low-yielding breeding sows were slaughtered in the first five months of the year, which should boost fertility.
African swine fever ravaged swine in China in 2018, and the disease resurfaced earlier this year. Domestic pork prices fell by almost half in 2021 to 22.45 yuan ($ 3.47) a kilogram, amid weak demand and rebuilding of herds, which kept imports low and led to a selling wave of the shares of producers such as Muyuan Foods and New Hope Liuhe. The mass sale of pigs has led to a “rush effect” in the world's largest pork market, further pressuring prices, Xin said. About 10% of Chinese pork producers lost in May, while others are still able to profit as long as prices stay above 12 yuan a kilogram, he says. The number of low-yielding sows for slaughter instead of breeding dropped to 12% of the total sow herd from 22% at the end of last year, he added.
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