The trading impact of PEDv on world pigmeat markets continues to be a major factor in explaining why Q1 2015 imports of pork to South Korea increased by nearly a third compared to 2014 while imports into Japan fell by 7% year on year during the same period.
According to BPEX, analysing the latest trade figures from both countries, the South Korean increase was due to the combined effects of PEDv and FMD, which has reduced domestic production, while the Japanese decline reflected the impact of PEDv on domestic supplies in 2014, from which the country is now recovering.
In looking at South Korea, BPEX says that the effects of PEDv and FMD outbreaks in the country is continuing to have a reducing impact on domestic production, resulting, so far this year, in increased import demand.
As a result, shipments from all major suppliers increased in Q1 2015, with the US remaining the largest exporter of pork to South Korea, accounting for 29% of all shipments. Bigger percentage gains were seen from the EU, however, with shipments increasing by two thirds as supplies in the EU remain high and competitively priced, due to the Russian ban and the weak euro.
The latest figures for Japanese pork imports, meanwhile, show a Q1 fall of 7% compared to a year earlier, to 173,400 tonnes.
“However, the figure in 2014 was raised due to the emergence of PEDV in Japan, which led to a fall in domestic production and therefore an increased reliance on imports,” said BPEX, adding that the 2015 fall in imports shows that the Japanese industry is “beginning to recover from the outbreak”.
“In addition, high stock levels and subdued consumer demand are also contributing to the lower need for imports.”
See more on South Korean figures
See more on Japanese figures