Hong Kong Pork Industry Overview, August 2004 - By USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - This article provides the poultry industry data from the USDA FAS Livestock and Products Annual 2004 report for Hong Kong. A link to the full report is also provided. The full report include all the tabular data which we have omitted from this article.

Report Highlights

Both beef and pork consumption are forecast to rise in 2004, particularly pork, due to the substitution effect resulting from the shortage of chicken. Imports of chicken from China were banned in early 2004 and the number of live chicken imports to Hong Kong is still restricted to a level below demand.

The Avian Influenza outbreak in the region led to Hong Kong’s suspension of poultry imports from China including live, chilled, and frozen chicken products in February and March 2004. Due to short supplies of chicken products, consumers have shifted their consumption to beef and pork.

The imports of live cattle and pigs from China rose by 2 percent and 7 percent respectively between January – May 2003 and 2004. Retained imports of chilled/frozen beef and pork also rose 2 percent (table 10) and 9 percent (table 20) respectively.

Though the importation of poultry products from China has resumed, the number of live chickens imported to Hong Kong is currently limited to 30,000 head daily, which is far less than the normal demand for 100,000. The reduced supply drives consumers to buy chilled chicken, beef or pork products instead.

There is no indication as to when the importation of live chickens will return to normal level. As such, the consumption of pork and beef for 2004 will likely rise higher than last year particularly for pork since Hong Kong people prefer pork to beef. The 2004 beef and pork consumption is expected to rise 1 percent and 4 percent respectively.

To view the full report, please click here (PDF)

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - August 2004