Pig meat: situation and outlook

摘要

High feed costs have been an important factor for all major pig producing countries. Combined with overall lower pig prices, profitability within the sector has declined. However, total pig production is expected to increase by a further two per centin 2003. Poland, Russia and South Korea are all expected to increase their domestic production to reduce their reliance on imports. Increases in production are also expected in Brazil and Canada as they continue to develop their export markets. Importsand exports in 2003 are expected to decline leading to increased competition among the world's leading exporters. Demand in the major importing countries is expected to reduce. The Russian Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) is expected to limit Russian pork importsin 2003. And Japanese import growth is expected to slow in 2003 as consumer demand for pork subsides, returning to beef.