China swine fever epidemic will have global impact

Subject

A swine fever epidemic in China.

Significance

The epidemic of African swine fever in China has global implications, because China produces and consumes around half the world’s pork, and imports more pork than any other country.

Impacts

• The US ability to meet China’s increased need for pork is a possible point of compromise in the trade war.
• The disease threatens the livelihoods of millions of small-scale pig farmers in China; however, political instability is unlikely.
• China’s demand for imported feed and grain will decline.