Breakthrough in China with reduction of sow population

The number of breeding sows in China has decreased for the first time in seventeen months to below 40 million, as indicated by data from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. This brings China’s goal of reducing pig production closer. The pig price in China remains low for now, but that does not automatically mean that the large integrations cannot make a profit. The number of breeding sows had fallen to 39.9 million sows by the end of October. In the last one and a half years, the Chinese sow population consistently remained above 40 million. By the end of 2023, China set itself the goal of reducing the number of sows to 39 million to decrease pork production and relieve the market. A smaller sow population is needed to maintain market balance, as the average litter size continues to increase. Pig price in decline Initially, the decline proceeded smoothly, but the decrease stalled just above 40 million. Now this psychological barrier has finally been crossed, although the target of 39 million has still not been reached. This also explains why the pressure on pig prices in China remains strong. The average Chinese pig price today (November 25) was 11.33 yuan per kilogram, the lowest level in four years. The low Chinese pig price does not mean that the large Chinese pig integrations cannot make a profit. Most of them were profitable in the first half of 2025, according to Chinese analysts. Cost management is the key word. Also, the relatively low grain prices and better feed conversion contribute to this. The figures from market leader Muyuan Foods, which has more than 3 million sows, confirm this. The company saw its profit rise by 41% to 14.78 million yuan in the first nine months of this year. Since the beginning of the year, its market value (although fluctuating) has increased by 32%.