According to the USDA Livestock & Poultry: World Markets & Trade, China is forecast up 320,000 tons to 51.6 million tons as rising producer returns stimulated the use of higher quality feeds. Government supports also encourage expansion and improved swine genetics. Disease outbreaks are reportedly milder and less prevalent because of favorable weather and vaccination efforts.

EU is raised 135,000 tons to 22.6 million tons on higher than expected swine breeding efficiency, likely caused by industry restructuring.

The United States is forecast up 96,000 tons to 10.6 million tons on increased sow productivity and slightly heavier weights.

Russia is raised 80,000 tons to 2.1 million tons on expansion of modern, large-scale swine operations aided by government support. This growth outweighs lower production by small operations and private households.

Greater volumes are expected from Mexico, up 35,000 tons to 1.2 million tons, due to heavier slaughter weights brought about by improved production practices and growth from the export segment of the industry.

South Korea is down 28,000 tons to 982,000 tons as herd re-building, following the foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, is slowed by tight supplies of sows and lower breeding productivity.