Global meat imports will drop in 2009

Deterioration in the global economy, restrictive trade policies and changing market have all contributed to falling demand for meat in major importing countries. The USDA predicts that global pork imports will fall this most, by an estimated 13%, while global poultry imports and beef imports will fall by 2% and 3% respectively.

Lower imports are expected for 8 out of the 10 top pork importing countries. Increased production in China and restrictive trade policies in Russia are the main reasons behind the steep drop in global imports. Total global pork exports are expected to decline by 12% in 2009, while EU exports forecast to decline by 27% as a result of tighter supplies and deteriorating export opportunities.