China's pork imports have fallen significantly

Znacznie spadł chiński import wieprzowiny

Exports down after a year of stability

After supplies remained stable last year following drastic declines in 2022, Chinese pork imports fell again in the first half of 2024. According to AMI, a total of 2.6 million tons of pork were imported from major supplier countries from January to June 2024. That’s a 28% drop year-on-year.

The biggest drop in Spanish export volume

All major supplier countries have had to accept a sharp decline in sales to China so far this year. Spain has also been hit, but it remains the leading supplier with a total volume of 255,000 tonnes, although it has had to cope with a 28% drop compared to the previous year.

Denmark saw the largest percentage drop, down 44 percent. Brazil and the Netherlands also saw significant sales declines, down 37 percent and 33 percent respectively.

Germany no longer plays a role in exports to China since the outbreak of African swine fever in September 2020 and has therefore been subject to supply bans.

Imports of by-products increased slightly

Among export products, imports of fresh and frozen meat have fallen in particular. The downward trend is likely to continue in the second half of this year. At the same time, slightly more by-products were imported, such as classic imported items – heads, paws and tails.