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Production
From January to June 2024, local production increased by 1% compared to the same period last year. Some producers, particularly backyard farmers initially affected by ASF, are restocking their farms, which will positively influence local production in the future.
The Dominican Republic has two major swine producer associations: the Dominican Association of Swine Farms (ADOGRANJA), which is composed of the country's largest producers, and the Dominican Federation of Swine Producers (FEDOPORC), a group of small to medium-sized formal producers. It is estimated that both associations encompass between 350 and 400 commercial farms that supply approximately 70% of local pork production (approximately 60,000 MT per year).
Pork production in the Dominican Republic. Source: Ministry of Agriculture data.
Approximately 20,000 small backyard farmers, spread throughout the country, provide the remaining local supply (15,000 MT). In most cases, the livelihood of these farmers and their families depends on their ability to sell two or three pigs per month.
Imports
With the decline in local pork production, imports of pork and pork products into the Dominican Republic have reached record levels since 2021. In 2023, imports reached 101,324 MT, an increase of 153% from the 40,084 MT imported in 2020. As of June 2024, imports reached 56,464 MT, a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, indicating the possibility of another record year for imports.
The United States supplies most of the pork imported into the Dominican Republic. From 2019 to 2023, the United States supplied 94% (61,748 MT) of pork and products imported by the Dominican Republic on average. Despite not having a presence in the Dominican pork market before 2023, Brazil has recently begun supplying significant quantities of pork to the country. During the first half of 2024, Brazil supplied 6,642 MT of pork to the Dominican Republic.
Prices
Pork prices have steadily increased in the Dominican Republic since ASF was detected in July 2021, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture. As of June 2024, average retail prices for pork reached USD 2.36/lb, up 10% from July 2021 when they were USD 2.14/lb.
Dominican authorities are trying to stabilize pork prices in the local market by increasing imports. The Pledging Program is financial support in which the Government covers storage costs and provides low-cost financing to producers with the product as collateral.
November 19, 2024/ USDA/ United States.
https://www.usda.gov/
