U.S. pork producers are asking for zero duty access into the Chinese market, saying it would reduce the trade deficit by 6 percent. Without doubt, U.S. pork sales would increase if allowed unfettered access into China. Pork prices were generally higher in China before the outbreak of ASF (see graph below) and have only become more precious in the wake of the crisis. Of course, European prices are also very competitive, and they have had their role in meeting the rapidly growing animal protein imports by the Middle Kingdom. China’s pork imports in October were double the amount for the same period a year ago.  Other countries adversely impacted by ASF are also good potential sources for imports. For example, Vietnam says it will...

TAGS – Livestock, Asia, China, Europe, North America