In April, the world livestock market focused on the impact of African swine fever (ASF) on supply in the world's largest market, China, as well as the outlook for the world meat market in 2019.

A sharp decrease in supply in China, along with farmers not daring to restore their herds, has boosted import demand from the world's second-largest economy.

Accordingly, global meat prices in April increased by 3% compared to last year, causing the food price index to increase for the fourth consecutive month, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said in a report released on May 9.

Currently, ASF in China is having the biggest impact on pork production, with the decline in pork offset by growth in chicken and beef supplies.

Image from ANOVA FARM

In Vietnam, the national pig herd in April decreased by 0.8% compared to the same period last year due to the ASF outbreak, which led to the culling of thousands of pigs, while farmers did not dare to raise pigs, according to the General Statistics Office.

In April, the price of live pigs recovered at the beginning of the month, with many northern localities becoming strong again, reaching VND45,000/kg in some places, but then sharply decreasing from mid-month. Meanwhile, the price increase trend was more stable in the Central and Southern regions.

The increase in pig prices in the North was mainly due to the decrease in pig supply due to the impact of ASF, while consumer demand recovered as pork is still an essential protein in Vietnam.

As of April 25, the price of live pigs in the northern provinces was still on a downward trend, with a decrease of up to VND5,000/kg. In Hung Yen and Thai Nguyen, pig prices fluctuated between 30,000 - 32,000 VND/kg; Ha Nam, Thai Binh, and Hanoi reported that live pigs were purchased at 34,000 - 36,000 VND/kg.

Live pig prices in Bac Giang reached 33,000 VND/kg; Ninh Binh and Phu Tho fluctuated between 36,000 - 37,000 VND/kg. Some mountainous provinces still reported prices above 40,000 VND, including Lao Cai and Yen Bai.

In the Central Highlands, live pigs were purchased at around 38,000 - 44,000 VND/kg. Of which, provinces in the North Central region still reported prices between 38,000 - 40,000 VND/kg; in the south, the price of live pigs is 2,000 - 4,000 VND/kg higher, reaching 38,000 - 44,000 VND/kg. The Central Highlands recorded that the price of pigs is still at a good level, 43,000 - 44,000 VND/kg.

The price of pigs in the South is still the highest in the country. Accordingly, the provinces of Dong Nai, Ben Tre, An Giang, Kien Giang, Binh Phuoc, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong reported that the price of live pigs fluctuated between 42,000 - 44,000 VND/kg. In Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Vung Tau, Hau Giang, the price of live pigs is 1 - 2 prices higher, reaching 45,000 - 46,000 VND/kg.

See the detailed report on the Live Pig Market in April 2019 here:

Source: vietnambiz