Brazil: record pork production expected for 2020 amidst COVID-19 uncertainty

Brazilian pig production for 2020 is expected to increase by 4.5 percent and reach a record production of nearly 44 million pigs, driven by strong exports (expected to increase 15% largely due to continued ASF) and growth in domestic demand.

The cost of hog production (by kilogram, live weight) increased in 2019 over 8 percent, mostly due to an increase in feed costs. Costs of production are expected to be stable this year, but at a somewhat higher level, due to bumper corn and soybean crops.

Productivity is expected to increase in 2020 as carcass weights are expected to grow by over 3.5 percent.