China’s pork production rises 4.2% in the first quarter

China’s pork production increased 4.2% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 16.69 million tons, in a context of weak consumption and strong downward pressure on prices, according to Reuters.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, slaughter totaled 200.26 million head (+2.8% year-on-year). Despite efforts to reduce herd size, productivity gains kept supply elevated.

The surplus of animals impacted prices, which fell from 14.9 yuan/kg to 8.7 yuan/kg liveweight (US$ 1.28/kg), reflecting the imbalance between production and domestic demand.

To correct the situation, authorities are promoting reductions in sow numbers, slaughter weight limits, and tighter credit conditions, although the oversupply is expected to persist at least through the third quarter.