China’s slaughter rates were unexpectedly high in the second quarter of 2021, pushing pork production up 35.9% YOY in the first half of the year, according to official data. The sudden supply increase resulted in a sharp price decline and negative results in both farming and trading in the first half of 2021, pointing to low pork imports into China in the 3rd quarter, according to Rabobank's Pork Quarterly Report.

While we expect hog and pork prices to rebound in the 3rd quarter, the estimated high frozen pork inventory will impose a lot of downward pressure on prices. We expect the slowdown of imports in the coming months will reduce full year imports from 2020’s record levels by 10% to 20%. This will lead to a redistribution of pork trade in the global market and could place downward pressure on pork prices in exporting regions.

Rabobank clients can download the full report here.

Report highlights:

China

China’s pork production showed strong growth in the first half of 2021, due to liquidation and oversized hogs. ASF continues to spread, causing ongoing liquidation in specific regions. Demand growth lags behind supply growth, reflected by the sharp fall in prices. Restocking has slowed, as farmers suffered sizable losses. Due to the liquidation of sows in the first half of 2021, Rabobank expects slaughter in the 3rd quarter to slow and prices to rise. However, the high frozen pork inventory will limit price movements.

Europe

Europe registered strong production growth of 5% YOY in the first four months of 2021, due to a backlog in slaughter at the end of 2020 and higher slaughter weights. However, high feed costs and softening exports will limit production growth in the 3rd quarter of 2021. Exports to China were down slightly in April, offset by strong shipments to Vietnam and the Philippines. New ASF outbreaks in German domestic pig farms add new risks.

US

After reaching record highs in mid-June, hog prices are lower, stabilizing on strong demand and lower production. Disease loss, lighter slaughter weights, and high feed costs will moderate production in the second half of 2021. Pork prices remain well ahead of expectations on strong belly and ham demand. Exports declined slightly through May, with weaker sales to China outweighing increases to Mexico, Canada and Japan.

Brazil

Pork production started the year at a good pace, due to 2020’s positive results (mainly in exports). However, high feed costs will discourage further production growth in the coming months in some regions. In terms of demand, the atypical increase in beef prices in the first months of 2021 following dry climatic conditions has favored the consumption of chicken and pork.