In 2019, the Australia’s pig herd is forecast be steady at 2.235 million head, with a smaller sow herd of 274,000 head, according to FAS-USDA. Australian pig slaughter is forecast at 5.3 million head. Pig meat production in 2019 is forecast to reach 420,000 MMT.
Post forecasts Australian pig meat exports at 45,000 MT in 2018, reflecting increased production.
Imports of fresh, chilled and bone-in pig meat into Australia are prohibited under biosecurity regulations, as are imports of genetic material. Frozen pig meat imports are expected to be stable at 230,000 MT, the same as in 2018.
The United States is the leading exporter of frozen pig meat to Australia. In 2019, U.S. exports of frozen pig meat to Australia are expected to increase to 90,000 MT or around 40 percent of total imports. Most ham, bacon and other processed pork products consumed in Australia are made from imported pig meat, which is heat-treated before being processed.
December 2018/ FAS-USDA/ United States.
https://gain.fas.usda.gov