China has destroyed or slaughtered up to 20% of its pig herd due to African swine fever (ASF), according to estimates by US finance company CME Group.

In January, China’s Ministry of Agriculture indicated that the Chinese sow herd declined by 1.36m sows in the month.

Domestic herds

ASF outbreaks have been recorded in domestic and feral pig herds in 28 Chinese provinces in China, as well as Russia and other confirmed cases in Belgium, eastern Europe, and Vietnam.

There is expected to be a 5m tonne shortfall of pigmeat in China, a deficit that could be an opportunity for Ireland. China is Ireland’s second most important market for pigmeat.