China doubles its pork imports - EU holds 57% The ASP-related loss of pork production in China is trying to mitigate by increasing imports. In the first half of 2020, the country imported around 3 million t of pork measured in product weight. That is approx. twice as much as in the two previous years. The EU has with approx. 1.65 million tonnes, deliveries also doubled compared to the previous year. This corresponds to a 57% share of China imports, slightly less than in the previous year. Spain's pork exports have moved up to 1st place in the EU. Deliveries to China were more than doubled compared to the previous year to 490,000 t. Exports from Germany increased by 75% to 424,000 t. Denmark (263,000 t) and the Netherlands (242,000 t) also more than doubled their deliveries to China.The USA tripled its exports to the weak previous year and reached an order of magnitude of 570,000 t. It should be borne in mind that China imposes punitive tariffs of an average of 63% on US goods. However, the US starting price level is significantly below the mark of 1 € / kg. Brazil is also benefiting from the booming business in China. Pork exports to China rose 75% year-on-year to 281,000 t. The corona virus pandemic has so far had only a limited impact on trade. Chinese demand remains high for the coming half of 2020. The reconstruction of pig farming in China is unlikely to show its first success until 2021. Experts predict that Chinese pork production may return to pre-ASP levels in 2026. Until then, imports should remain at a high level. In the meantime, demand continues to grow due to increasing population and income.
