Increases in pork and beef consumption in China continue to outstrip production growth, resulting in increased import projections for 2008, USDA's agricultural attaché in Beijing said.

In a semi-annual report, the attaché said the worst snowstorms in 50 years during January and February, along with a slow recovery from porcine blue ear disease, have hampered livestock production in China.

Beef

The attaché forecast a four-fold increase in China's beef imports to 30,000 metric tons due to increased demand, particularly around the Olympics in August. Some of that beef is expected to come from South America, since China has lifted its ban on four Brazilian states.

China is expected to reduce its beef exports by 4 percent to 78,000 metric tons. Beef production is expected to rise by 3 percent to 7.7 million metric tons, the report said.

To view the entire report, click here.

By Janie Gabbett on 3/12/2008 for Meatingplace.com