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Increase in French pork exports to China

The exports to China have recovered suddenly (+51% year-on-year), with 8,500 tonnes (carcass weight) sold to the north of Asia: 2,350 tonnes (carcass weight) more than in January 2018 (of which +1,950 tonnes in carcass weight sent to China.

The first months of 2019 confirmed the sustained activity regarding pig slaughterings, breaking the trend seen in the second half of 2018. In February 2019 high levels were reached both in terms of weight and of the number of pigs slaughtered, contrary to the seasonal drop trend.

In January 2019, the French trade balance for pork showed an equilibrium in terms of volume due to the increase in exports to China (+50% in comparison with January 2018) and the decrease in imports from Spain. According to the reports, the need for pork in China, the greatest producer and consumer in the world, is growing. The fall in the pig herd and the spreading of African swine fever in China could increase the European exports to Asia.