Iowa State University Economist Dermot Hayes says African swine fever and the recent trade agreements with China, Mexico and Canada are positive for U.S. pork exports. “In November 2019, China was the largest buyer of U.S. pork. We hope to see that continue,” says Hayes. “The demand is there, but it isn’t making its way into live hog prices yet. U.S. pork production is growing, in part, because people are anticipating big exports and good prices. We’re going to have a real problem with packing plant capacity in the fall.” Hayes the coronavirus may make a slight impact on China’s pork consumption, but he thinks China will still need U.S. pork. Hayes was part of the Minnesota Pork Congress.
