Pigmeat production in the US is forecast to rise by 5% in 2015, with an increase of around 3% in exports, according to the latest global outlook report published by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In global terms, the report puts 2015 at 111.8 million tonnes, 1% up on this year, with China continuing to dominate global pork production, rising 2% next year on top of this year’s forecast increase of 3%.
“However, with Chinese demand for pigmeat growing at a faster rate than production, its import requirement is expected to increase, providing opportunities for global exporters,” said BPEX in a summary of the USDA findings.
“Production in the rest of the world is expected to be little changed this year, with lower output in countries affected by PEDv offset by increases elsewhere. The report forecasts 1% growth in non-Chinese production next year but this relies on a significant rise in US output which will depend on PEDv having less impact next year.”
Despite the current loss of the Russian market, the USDA sees “robust demand” from China and South Korea as mitigating factors for exporters in 2015.
