China: 2010 hog inventories up on year

According to the US agricultural attaché, hog inventories in China are expected at 472 mln head at the end of 2010, up from the 469 mln head last year. Pork production is seen at 50.6 (48.9) mln t, imports at 220,000 (198,000) t, exports at 240,000 (333,000) t, and domestic use at 50.6 (48.7) mln t.
Cattle inventories are forecast to decrease to 105 (106) mln head including 12.5 (12.3) mln dairy cows. Beef production should decline to 5.5 (5.8) mln t due to an expected drop in consumption to 5.5 (5.8) mln t.
(USDA, March 2, 2010)