China: Pork prices at €4.44/kg (July 2022) China's pork market has experienced sharp fluctuations in a relatively short period of time. After the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), the pig population fell by around 40% in 2019. Pig prices rose above 6 €/kg. Meat imports of all kinds increased from 1 million t to almost 10 million t, but without fully compensating for demand. The rebuilding of the pig stocks was promoted with all means. As early as 2021 , the numbers returned to their original level , albeit with different structures. Instead of small stocks and rear courtyards, multi-storey large stocks ("pig hotels") have appeared . Financially strong corporations dominate the market today.Pig stocks reached a peak in spring 2022 , which caused the already reduced prices to fall from around €5/kg to just over €2/kg . With high feed costs, losses of up to €150 per pig were achieved. State intervention purchases and the reduction of imports to 6 million tons. only had a limited effect in the short term. An incipient reduction in the number of sows according to government guidelines initially gradually brought relief, but later became so severe that the increasing seasonal demand could no longer be met. The result: within 4 months the prices doubled again to over 4.40 €/kg . The stronger exchange rate played a slightly supporting role in the conversion. For the further course of the years 2022/23 , prices in a range of the equivalent of 3.50 to 4 €/kg can be derived from the futures rates of the Dalian stock exchange. Proceeds of this magnitude again promise sufficient profits
