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Coronavirus adds pressure to China’s pork sector

The coronavirus outbreak has delayed new pig breeding facilities and put more pressure on pork supplies and prices as China attempts to rebuild its domestic industry in the wake of African swine fever.

An official with China’s agriculture ministry says the outbreak has disrupted the delivery of feed and veterinary supplies as well as the return of ag workers to farms.

China has released 10,000 metric tons of frozen pork from its strategic reserve. There are reports the country will raise imports to combat shortages.

The coronavirus outbreak is also driving up the cost of food in China. China’s National Bureau of Statistics says the country’s consumer price inflation hit 5.4 percent in January.