Cambodia opens market for pork from Brazil

Cambodia has opened its markets to Brazilian pork. This message was broadcast last week by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). The Cambodian authorities have allowed imports of fresh and processed pork from Brazilian factories under the same standards as those for the domestic market.

The Asian country has been hit by African swine fever (ASF) and according to Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Producers Association (ABPA), Brazil can be a reliable partner in securing MEAT supplies.

Santin noted: “Cambodia is a developing pig-producing country, but it has recently been affected by ASF. In this context, Brazil can establish itself as a reliable partner to meet local demand, contributing to the food security of the Cambodian population.”

The Southeast Asian country of over 16 million people is undergoing an intense process of urbanization and economic development. Between 2010 and 2018, GDP grew from $11.2 billion to $ 24.5 billion, or 118.75%. As a consequence, Cambodians are experiencing an increase in per capita income, which affects the potential for pork consumption. They currently consume 10 kg per capita per year, according to ABPA.

Cambodia reported 11 outbreaks of ASF in 5 provinces between March and July 2019, according to the World Organization for Animal HEALTH (OIE). All of these provinces (Rattanakiri, Tboy Kmum, Svai Rieng, Takeo and Kandal) bordered Vietnam. The farmers' association said unregulated imports from Vietnam were to blame. In total, about 4,000 pigs have been affected by these outbreaks, according to the OIE.

Recently, local newspaper Khmer Times reported a resurgence of ASF in pigs in Cambodia, now in Banteay Meanchey province in the northwest of the country, close to the border with Thailand. The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture said the infected animals were illegally imported from Thailand. All pigs in the surrounding area have been culled and border controls will be tightened.