The coronavirus is complicating China’s efforts to import food, even as another infectious disease, African Swine Fever, increases its need.
CNBC reports that the virus is especially disrupting China’s attempts to import meat, due to its effect on demand. Because fewer consumers are leaving their homes to shop or eat out, there has been less overall demand for meat, leading to difficulty in getting shipments through ports. Because refrigerated meat containers aren’t getting moved through, receiving facilities are reluctant to accept more, creating a backlog.
The situation is frustrating China’s attempts to find alternative sources of protein to make up for the effects of African Swine Fever, which has wiped out more than half the country’s hog herd. It is also frustrating American meat companies’ attempts to meet that demand.
“There’s been disruptions at the ports,” CNBC quoted Tyson CEO Noel White as telling analysts. “That has skewed shipments, receivals.”
The situation comes in the wake of a pact, announced last week, easing trade tensions with China. The deal has China cutting tariffs in half on American agricultural goods including meat, poultry and soybeans.
