Chinese Pig Prices Hit 15-Year Low as War Costs Worsen Margins

Chinese pig farmers are facing worsening losses, as tepid domestic consumption of pork is compounded by rising costs from the war in Iran.

The government has been urging breeders since last year to reduce sow numbers and slaughter rates to better align supply with demand. It did so again last week, and also said it’s buying frozen pork for state reserves to support the market. The intervention comes after pig prices crashed to their weakest in at least 15 years, according to data from Shanghai JC Intelligence Co., and producer margins plumbed four-year lows.