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South Africa’s pork market has shifted from fears of shortages to a significant oversupply, resulting in a sharp decline in wholesale prices and bringing welcome relief to consumers. Wholesale pork prices have fallen from about R40/kg to around R30/kg after earlier outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) disrupted supply and prompted precautionary imports.
The imported pork, which took between eight and ten weeks to arrive, entered the market just as local pig farms resumed normal operations following disease-related movement restrictions. This coincided with the release of market-ready pigs that had accumulated during mandatory control measures, creating a substantial surplus.
Weaker consumer demand following earlier price increases has further contributed to the oversupply, putting downward pressure on prices. Although the market is expected to stabilise closer to its long-term average of about R32/kg, consumers are already benefiting from lower retail prices on a range of pork products, while industry stakeholders have emphasised that there is no food safety risk associated with the current market conditions.
July 24, 2026/South Africa/
https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/
