Chinese pork industry sees growth amid trade investigations, policy shifts

CHINA – The number of pigs slaughtered in China by pig enterprises rose slightly by 0.8% to 136.04 million in the first five months of this year, compared to the same period in the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as reported by Reuters.

Additionally, China’s sow herd was recorded at 39.96 million head at the end of May, marking a 6.2% decrease from the previous year.

This news comes as the Chinese pork industry continues to experience significant developments this year. 

In June, for instance, China launched an anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the European Union, focusing on Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. 

This move, announced by the Ministry of Commerce, was in retaliation to the European Commission’s decision to impose anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles.

Starting on June 17, the investigation examined various pork products intended for human consumption, including fresh, chilled, and frozen whole cuts, as well as pig intestines, bladders, and stomachs. 

This probe was initiated following a complaint from the China Animal Husbandry Association, representing the domestic pork sector.

This action came shortly after the European Commission declared on June 12 that it would implement anti-subsidy duties on Chinese car imports, potentially reaching up to 38.1%, beginning in July.

In another significant development, China lifted a five-year ban on Belgian pig and pork products in January. 

This move signalled a positive shift for Belgian farmers and strengthened trade relations between the European Union and China. 

The embargo, initially imposed in 2018 due to an outbreak of African swine fever, had considerable impacts on Belgium, a key player in pig production and exports within the EU.

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