According to Reuters, a report released by the U.S. pork industry shows that the epidemic of African swine fever (ASF), which has killed up to half of China’s hog herd since August 2018 has pushed Chinese pork prices to record highs. Because of this, global meat shippers expect to make the most of the outbreak before China's pork imports peak.

It's forecasted that China’s pork imports will top out in 2022, before declining as domestic production recovers from the disease. Import volumes will stay high through 2025, but prices will ease, food consultancy Gira said.

China will likely recover from African swine fever by 2027, but production will be 13% below where it was before the country’s first case was confirmed in 2018, according to Gira. High pork prices as a result of the outbreak will change Chinese diets over the long term, with some consumers switching to cheaper chicken, the consultancy said.

By 2040, China’s pork imports are expected to fall back to 2017-2018 levels, according to the report.

Source：Reuters