Swine news - Economy

Following a presentation from the Commission, ministers exchanged views on two recently published legislative proposals that aim to strengthen the position of farmers in the agri-food supply chain and respond to some of the most pressing challenges that the agricultural sector faces.

The Council discussed the latest developments in agrifood trade issues, with a particular emphasis on the impact of agrifood trade on EU farmers non-tariff barriers to trade with countries outside the EU.

Despite the economic situation in 2024 and the increase in imports, domestic pork production achieved significant growth, which could be explained, in part, by the strength of domestic consumption, as well as by the gradual recovery of exports. These results reflect the resilience of the pork sector, marking a very positive year-end and promising expectations for the future.

Despite being such a small country geographically, Uruguay has one of the highest per capita pork consumptions in Latin America, with imports making up 80% of its consumption.

EU agri-food trade reached record levels, with exports totalling €21.7 billion and imports at €16.2 billion.

The EU and Mexico have finalized negotiations to modernize their Global Agreement, establishing a more ambitious framework for strengthening their political and economic relations.

The Mercosur-EU agreement could bring about significant changes in the trade of the Argentine soybean complex, which represents 49% of the country's exports to the European market. This agreement, currently in the process of ratification, includes progressive reductions in export duties and elimination of import tariffs, improving access to the strategic European market.

Of the 1.3 million metric tons of meat imported by the Philippines, pork had the greatest import volume at 672,000 MT.

Compared to the December report, there was a significant cut in U.S. corn production and ending stocks, while a larger harvest and lower imports were estimated for China. A decrease in the global soybean harvest and ending stocks was projected, derived from a lower forecast for U.S. production.

Current conditions rule out the possibility of a highly productive season for corn and soybeans, which would need significant rainfall to reverse the negative trend.

In 2025, growth in global animal protein production will be slightly higher, driven by seafood and poultry.

The ministers underlined the importance of the circular bioeconomy to achieve more efficient, competitive, and sustainable agri-food production.

Brazil has been free of African swine fever since 1988 and maintains international recognition as free of the disease, issued by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

Due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Germany, it is currently possible for Russia to import breeding pigs from all EU member states.

The number of pig farms decreased by 3.4%, or 600 farms, in one year and by 41.7%, or 11,200 farms, in ten years.

Total swine inventory decreased slightly but was higher than in 2023.

Foreign demand for pork remained strong throughout 2024 and Brazilian exports reached new records.

Senasica had more than 90 canine inspectors at the end of 2024, which are strategic to check commercial shipments and luggage and intercept risk products.

Pork exports increased by 36% - from 150.2 to 204.6 thousand tons.

Excellent export performance in recent years is linked to the sector's efforts to increase its presence in the global market, amid a gradual reduction in imports from China.

Brazil, the world's largest exporter of soybeans, experienced a reduction in the volume exported in 2024, compared to records in 2023.

Results will depend on whether China expands the list of Russian suppliers.

China's pork production decreased by 1.5% in 2024.