Argentina’s pork production has grown solidly over the last decade.

Argentine pork currently has the advantage that this type of food is one of the most consumed in the world. China’s demand has had an impact on this market since it imports some 50 million tons of pork every year, according to the USDA. The per capita consumption of pork in China is 30 kg per year, a higher value than in any other country in the world.

Argentine pork production has been able to take advantage of this market opportunity in recent years. Economic reports indicate that, during the last decade, Argentine pork production had a growth rate of 8% per year.

China is the largest importer of pork.

Millions of pigs have been slaughtered in China due to recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever in the country. This problem has created difficulties in meeting the demand for animal protein. As a result, imports of Argentine pork have increased.

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A few years ago, Argentine pork production was destined for internal consumption. In recent years this has been changing, increasing the per capita consumption of Argentine pork. To supply this domestic demand, the main country from which products are imported is Brazil, to satisfy the market for pork by-products and sausages.

On the other hand, market opportunities have motivated the Argentine pork sector to export to Asia. China accounts for half of the world’s pork consumption, followed by the United States and the European Union.

Argentina’s challenge in pork production.

Argentine pork, in turn, demands a solid infrastructure and production capacity. The Pork Export Consortium (Argenpork) mentions that Argentina’s infrastructure has limitations. Although production is increasing, slaughter and deboning plants, for example, are needed. In addition to this, ArgenPork expressed concern about the capacity of the cold chain, as it can generate limitations in the Argentine pork production chain.

China currently accounts for 90% of Argentine pork exports. To satisfy this demand, Argentina faces the challenge of improving its infrastructure and pork processing capacity.