China reduces its dependence on foreign markets

Imports drop to lowest level in years

Chinese pork imports dropped further in 2024, reaching just 1.06 million tons. This figure represents a 32% reduction compared to 2023 (1.55 million tons) and a drop of more than 75% compared to 2020, when imports peaked at 4.38 million tons due to the African swine fever crisis.

Pork offal imports have slightly recovered with 1.23 million tons in 2024, 5% more than in 2023, but below the record level of 2020 (1.35 million tons).

Why are imports decreasing?

Several factors explain the decline in foreign purchases:

• Domestic self-sufficiency: with the recovery of swine production, the need to import pork has decreased.
• Government policy: Chinese authorities have promoted stability in the domestic market to avoid price volatility.
• Moderate consumption: although pork continues to be the most consumed meat in China, demand for imported meat is lower due to changes in consumption habits and economic adjustments.

Domestic production remains at record highs

In contrast to imports, and despite being down on the previous year, domestic pork production remains strong at 57.06 million tons in 2024, consolidating the second-highest production year in the last decade, second only to 2023 (57.94 million tons). This figure confirms the industry's recovery after the sharp drop suffered in 2019 and 2020 due to the outbreak of African swine fever in August 2018, which reduced production to 41.13 million tons in 2020.