Price summary

Backyard farmers, particularly those in northern China, were mostly not keen in buying piglets.

Market analysis

Severe cases of swine fever were reported in major hog producing regions. In some farms, many young hogs (between 40-50kg) that were in the fattening process had succumbed to the disease. New-born piglets were also reported to have caught the virus from sows.

High corn prices, at RMB1,350/tonne, RMB1,400/tonne and RMB1,600/tonne in the north-eastern, northern and southern region respectively, had also deterred most farmers from replenishing their animal inventories.

Meanwhile, hog prices were up in Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi in the past week. In these regions some bigger commercial farms have taken up some piglet supplies.

Market forecast

In the week ahead, piglet prices are seen to remain at current levels. However, in regions where the pig disease situation was not brought under control, prices are expected to come under more pressure.