China cuts sow herd below 40 million amid glut
Beijing pushes producers to curb output and stabilise market
24 November 2025
1 minute read
By: China's sow herd dropped to fewer than 40 million animals at the end of October, Reuters reported, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Friday, as the country intensifies efforts to rein in overcapacity.
China had 40.35 million sows at the end of September, according to previous data.
Beijing has urged major hog producers to cut output as the sector contends with a supply glut and weak consumer demand.
At a meeting on Friday, the ministry called for tighter regulation of hog production capacity and said it would "dynamically" adjust the national target for sow herd.
It also urged earlier counter-cyclical adjustment to prevent sharp market fluctuations, according to a summary of the meeting.
The ministry added it would guide large hog producers to improve quality and efficiency, while supporting small and medium-sized farms to develop "appropriately scaled" operations.
