Page 26 of articles about markets-economics

During the past year, Spanish exports of pork and prepared products to third countries decreased by 16%.

Significant increases were also recorded in pig slaughter and pork production, as well as a slight increase in apparent consumption.

The Alabama Senate unanimously approved legislation that would prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of food products produced from cultured animal cells within Alabama.

Compared to the January report, world corn production estimated saw no significant changes, while international trade figures forecast lower exports for Brazil and a decrease in imports from the European Union. As for soybeans, the forecast for Brazilian production was cut and export estimates increased, which would counterbalance the lower forecast for U.S. shipments.

According to preliminary data, the pig population in December 2023 was 9769.7 thousand, an increase of 1.5% compared to the same period last year.

Slaughter was down 4.8% year-on-year.

However, the slight increase in production and imports contributed to a lower estimated apparent consumption than in 2022, which could indicate some contraction in domestic demand.

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

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.

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

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