Market analysis

During September and October, the recurrence of pig diseases in major hog production regions led to the deaths of significant numbers of hogs that had yet to reach maturity for release into the market.

Authorities have suspended cross province deliveries from most major hog production regions where many clenbuterol cases continued to be discovered. Hence, fewer better quality hogs were released into the market of late.

With authorities also tightening inspections for diseases in hogs delivered into various provinces, pork demand has improved somewhat as consumers' concerns started to ease. This further bolstered hog prices.

Production of waxed pork products has kicked off in southern China amid increasingly cooler weather, with local frozen meat operations and meat processing enterprises stepping up procurements of domestic cross-breed lean hogs.

Market forecast

With currently improved pork demand and reduced hog inventories, prices might register further gains in the week ahead.