China’s animal feed output fell 3% in the first half of 2014 because of outbreaks of avian flu and low pork prices curbing farming. But after this first contraction in 20 years, the industry is poised to rebound. Hog prices in Shandong province, the biggest meat producing region in the country gained 29% since April 30th and broiler poultry gained 5%. Between May and June, aquaculture feed demand is expected to increase by more than 30% and poultry and hog feed will increase 15% and 10% respectively. China’s soybean imports are forecast to increase 4.3% to 72 million tons for the year beginning October 1st compared to the current year, and for the week ending June 20th the country’s soybean crushing increased 2.1% to 1.6 million metric tons for the week.
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