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Economist says it’s not all bad news if Germany resumes pork exports

There are reports that some Asian countries are considering resuming pork imports from Germany.  Several Asian countries halted pork trade with Germany following the detection of African swine fever in its wild boar population last month.

University of Missouri livestock economist Scott Brown says that conversation is something the US pork industry needs to monitor.  “Some of the strength we’ve seen in hog prices is due to what is anticipated stronger exports as we finish the year,” he says.  “Stronger exports due in part to Germany being shut out of some of those markets.”

He tells Brownfield if Asian countries lift the ban on German pork it might put a damper in prices in the near-term, but it could set a long-term precedent.  “If we have ASF in this country, I would probably be surprised if it did not start in the wild boar population,” he says.  “And we would also like those countries to continue to take product from us.”

Brown says Germany’s advanced biosecurity practices have likely contributed to the country’s ability to keep the disease out of its domestic swine population.