China Piglet Weekly: Commercial activity picking up

Price summary

Prices were marginally higher in the southern provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi, with stable prices in the other regions.

Market analysis

Swine fever continued to affect buying interest in some regions. New-born piglets as well as those that were about one month old were particularly prone to the virus infection.

Nevertheless, farmers were seen taking extra precaution in disease prevention to avoid potential losses. Those who are positive of profitability from improved hog prices have started to replenish piglets after mid-week.

With improved hog prices, the recent increase in feed prices had become less of a factor of consideration in farmers' plans to replenish piglets, as gain in income will offset the increase in production cost.

Medium-sized commercial farms were more active in buying piglet supplies than backyard farmers.

Market forecast

In the week ahead, the colder weather may slow the pace of piglet replenishment, with prices seen stable to marginally higher.

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