Rabobank: Uncertainties threaten optimism in pork trade

That was the key message of the latest global Pork Quarterly, published by RaboResearch, part of Rabobank.

In a press release, it was explained that impacts of the China/US trade dispute will distort markets and weigh on pork values in North America, while creating some potential upside for producers in Asia, Europe, and South America.

China/US trade dispute and ASF

Christine McCracken, senior analyst – animal protein said, “The potential escalation of the China/US trade dispute – along with ongoing NAFTA modernisation talks – creates a heightened sense of risk.”

She added, “Disease is also part of this uncertainty, including the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) spreading in Europe. With so many threats, agility will be a key asset for pork producers in a volatile operating environment.”

China: trade policy supportive to price

Steep hog price declines (-30% YTD) are pressuring margins as the market remains oversupplied. Announced tariffs on US pork help to stabilise markets near-term, but are unlikely to fully offset market pressures.

Potential tariffs on US soybeans add further cost pressure. The bank expects losses to continue, but gradually improve as the industry right-sizes production. Demand for pork will remain good, helped by spring festivals and low costs.

US: production and trade weigh on markets

The follow-through on planned growth in 2018 is resulting in seasonal production records, at the same time delays in the ramp-up of new capacity and trade disruption soften demand.

Raboresearch sees little immediate change in production plans, as the industry has built a financial war chest to withstand the current downturn. With NAFTA renegotiations underway and the trade war with China heating up, plans to add production may be reconsidered until there is improved visibility.

EU: rising supply pressuring prices

In the EU, production growth and weaker exports are expected to limit the upside in margins in 2018. Gradual growth in pig herds reflects good returns over the past year and a rebound in productivity.

The EU is not expected to see a big pick-up in demand from China, but should pick up some growth to Japan and South Korea. The threat of ASF (and the risk to exports in that eventuality) remains an overhang on the market.

Brazil: Chinese exports help cushion the blow

A surge in exports to China and Hong Kong is helping offset lost access to the nation’s primary export market in Russia, according to the report.

Even so, Brazilian producers continue to struggle with weak pork prices and higher feed costs (following a moderately disappointing growing season). Based on current profit levels, Raboresearch expects slower growth in production in the year ahead.