Pork imports expected to stay high, prices likely to climb over next 2 years

Because of a decrease in domestic pork supplies following African swine fever outbreaks, China will see its pork imports rise rapidly to historical highs over the next two years, according to a report released on Saturday.

China's pork imports are expected to reach 1.7 million metric tons this year, an increase of more than 40 percent over last year, according to the China Agricultural Outlook (2019-28) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Imports are expected to increase to 2.1 million tons next year, and may then start to decline due to rising domestic supplies. However, they will remain at high levels over the next few years.