Japan further strengthened its position as the world’s largest pork importer in 2014, as its own production was hugely disrupted by widespread outbreaks of PEDv, according to BPEX.
Imports into Japan increased by 12% during the year, totalling 829,400 tonnes, with the EU becoming the main supplier with a market share of 38%. Canada moved into second place with the US dropping to third, as its own production was hit by PEDv.
“With further PEDv cases confirmed in January 2015, no stability is expected in the short term for this market,” said BPEX.
European contributions to the mix of imports into Japan saw Denmark delivering 135,000 tonnes, up 19% on the year, while Spanish shipments almost doubled to 65,500 tonnes. Â
There were also large increases from the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Ireland and Italy. Polish deliveries, meanwhile, decreased after African swine fever was confirmed there.