Page 3 of articles about markets-economics

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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.