The changing picture of Chinese pork import volumes

Chinese imports of pig meat (excluding offal) for Q3 totalled 412,100 tonnes, an increase of 25,300 tonnes (6.5%) on Q2. This is back 375,600 tonnes (47.7%) compared to Q3 2021.  

For the year to date (Jan-Sep), China has imported 1.2 million tonnes of pig meat, 1.8 million tonnes less than the same period last year. The UK has shipped 56,600 tonnes of this volume; however, the EU retains the lion’s share of Chinese trade, shipping 643,000 tonnes. Volumes from all key exporting nations have been considerably lower in 2022 than those seen over the last couple of years.

As previously mentioned in our last China update, domestic pork prices have been rising since April. Since early September, 127,100 tonnes of frozen pork reserves have been auctioned in a bid to curb these rising prices. Despite this, domestic prices have continued to rise as China moves into peak seasonal demand for pig meat and so it is likely that imports will increase towards the end of the year.

It is anticipated that 2023 will see import growth as covid restrictions are eased and demand ticks up, although volumes are not expected to match those of 2021. Reports estimate that total pig meat imports (including offal) will stabilise over the next couple of years at around 2 million tonnes. This would mean that China would be around 95% self-sufficient, meeting their food security goal. Even so, China would remain the largest importer of pig meat globally. 

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.