China's swine fever outbreak sets off scrap over pork

Meat prices climb worldwide as importers scramble and consumers switch products

Demand for meat has grown rapidly in Asia along with population and income. © Getty Images

RURIKA IMAHASHI, MARIMI KISHIMOTO and TOGO SHIRAISHI, Nikkei staff writers

April 28, 2019 20:02 JST

TOKYO/BANGKOK/PARIS -- The outbreak of African swine fever that is ravaging China's pig farmers is sending shock waves through Asia's market for imported meat. Importers in the region face a battle with Chinese buyers, while exporters reap a windfall.

The virus that causes ASF has no cure. Although it is harmless to humans, it is highly infectious and deadly to pigs.