China, the world’s largest pork producer and consumer, reported a modest year-over-year pork production increase of 1.2% for the first quarter of 2025, reaching 15.13 million metric tons. This slight uptick comes amid persistent concerns about oversupply and sluggish demand that continue to weigh on producer profitability.
According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the country slaughtered 195.57 million hogs from January to March—a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year. However, herd size remains slightly down, with the live hog inventory at the end of March totaling 408.5 million head, a 0.4% decrease year-over-year.
Despite stabilization efforts, China’s pork market remains oversupplied. Industry analysts note that sluggish demand and elevated feed costs are putting financial strain on producers. Prices have remained weak even with periodic government interventions, including state reserve purchases aimed at propping up the market.
In 2024, China’s pork output hit 57.94 million tons, the second-highest level in over a decade, reinforcing concerns that supply may be outpacing demand in the current economic environment.
For North American pork producers, these figures signal continued caution as China—once a major importer due to African Swine Fever losses—appears increasingly self-reliant. Trade competitiveness and global supply chain dynamics will remain critical watchpoints through 2025.
