Swine news - Economy

In 2023 pork production in Germany decreased significantly, while beef production remained almost unchanged. There was a slight increase in poultry.

The drop in import volume was compensated by the increase in domestic production, which contributed to sustained apparent consumption.

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023.

According to Rabobank's "Global pork quarterly Q1 2024" report, production will slow in 2024.

The agricultural and agroindustrial trade balance recorded a surplus of USD 7,576 million, USD 1,976 million higher than in 2022 and the third-highest figure in 31 years.

According to the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, as of January 24, "imports of pork and edible pork by-products from Russia that meet the relevant requirements are allowed."

After major movements in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Poland, and France, protest movements are now springing up all over Europe.

Pig meat quotations declined slightly due to a drop in import purchases by China and abundant supplies from some producing countries.

As of February 1, 2024, it is mandatory in Germany for points of sale to label the origin of fresh, chilled, or frozen pork, sheep, goat, and poultry meat that is not packaged.

After six years, a Belgian container full of pig heads, ears, and snouts left for China.

Following recent demonstrations at European level by farmers, the European Parliament is proposing revisions to the system and changes.

While wheat, maize, barley, and sorghum prices fell in January, rice prices increased.

The Central American Agricultural Council (CAC) has drawn up a guide for joint action in the face of the challenges posed by the new international trade restrictions.

With the increase in domestic production and the decrease in import volume, the share of Colombian pork in total apparent consumption increased to 80%.

The Commission has proposed to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, while reinforcing protection for sensitive EU agricultural products.

The European Commission has approved two German State aid schemes totaling €1 billion to improve animal welfare in livestock breeding.

Domestic demand for pork grew and was sustained in 2023, largely due to favorable consumer prices, increased imports, and increased domestic production, which held up throughout the year in the face of weak producer prices.

Average soybean yield is estimated at 4.12 t/ha vs. 1.33 last year. The new production estimate is 1.5 Mt higher than the 18.7 Mt forecast for the region under normal weather conditions.

The positive results for this period are due to the growth in shipments to most of the main buyers, especially the Philippines, Chile, and Japan.

Following the detection of the African swine fever virus in imported foodstuffs, the Ministry of Health has urgently reinforced all controls.

The new animal welfare label "Better for animals" is awarded to products that make extra efforts for animal welfare beyond the legal requirements.

The European Commission has decided to register the European citizens' initiative entitled "European Citizens' Initiative in Defence of Agriculture and Rural Economy in Europe".

In 2023, China imported a total of 2.72 million tons of pork and offal, a 5% decrease from the previous year and half the imports from 3 years ago.

Crop production reached a value of 37.3 billion euros (+1.4%), while livestock production was estimated at 35.3 billion euros (-0.8%).