1. Price Summary

In the south, prices were higher on increased buying activity. Concerns over pig disease in the current winter season had led buyers in northern China to remain on the sidelines.

Market analysis

In the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Jiangsu, piglet prices were mostly unchanged. Buyers were held back by concerns over possible pig diseases and higher costs (vaccines and feed) in the winter season.

Piglet prices were stable in Hunan and Hubei provinces. Prices of native common crossbreed piglets were higher in some areas of these provinces.

In Guangdong province and Guangxi Zhuang Region, piglet prices were higher on increased demand. More medium-sized farms have sold off live hog as demand for pork products increase. This was positive for piglet prices there.

Piglet prices in Sichuan province have also picked up on better demand by backyard farmers.

Market forecast

Concluding, near-term piglet supply in China is likely to exceed demand but prices in southern China are seen stable in the week ahead.

Source: eFeedLink - 20th January 2006