The Dominican Republic’s ongoing battle with African Swine Fever (ASF) has created new opportunities for U.S. pork producers, as the disease has now become endemic in the Caribbean nation. Despite initial emergency efforts, ASF outbreaks have shown a resurgence in 2024, leading to significant declines in local pork production and greater reliance on imports to meet domestic demand.
ASF in the Dominican Republic
ASF was first detected in the Dominican Republic in July 2021, prompting emergency response measures. However, limited resources and insufficient surveillance allowed the disease to spread rapidly. By September 2024, the Dominican authorities reported a 30% reduction in the national swine herd, with nearly 210,000 pigs culled since the disease’s onset. This has had devastating effects on small-scale and backyard farmers, who traditionally rely on pig farming as a primary livelihood.
Despite efforts to contain ASF, the positivity rate of tested samples has increased to over 1% in 2024, with outbreaks reported in 28 out of 31 provinces. The government, supported by USDA and international organizations, has strengthened biosecurity measures, including vaccination trials, but eradicating ASF remains a distant goal.
U.S. Pork Exports on the Rise
With ASF severely limiting local production, the Dominican Republic has turned to imports to stabilize its pork supply. In 2023, pork imports reached a record-breaking 101,324 metric tons, with U.S. producers supplying 94% of this total. As of mid-2024, imports had increased by 3% compared to the same period the previous year, setting the stage for another record year.
U.S. pork’s dominance in the Dominican market reflects its reliability and quality, making it an attractive alternative for local buyers grappling with ASF-induced shortages. While the United States remains the leading supplier, countries like Brazil have also entered the market, further intensifying competition.
Impact on Local Prices and Farmers
The decline in local production has pushed pork prices steadily upward, with average retail prices rising 10% since ASF was first detected. To alleviate market pressures, the Dominican government has implemented financial programs such as the Pignoracion Program, which provides storage subsidies and low-interest loans to farmers. However, these measures offer limited relief as the country continues to struggle with ASF’s economic fallout.
What’s Next for the Dominican Pork Industry?
The Dominican government, alongside USDA/APHIS, is pivoting towards long-term solutions to manage ASF, including biosecurity loans for farmers. However, the growing dependency on imports highlights the critical need for sustained local production recovery.
For U.S. pork producers, the ongoing ASF crisis in the Dominican Republic underscores both the opportunities and challenges of expanding export markets amid global disease outbreaks. As the Dominican market continues to evolve, U.S. exporters must remain vigilant about changes in trade dynamics and competition.
This situation highlights the critical role of international cooperation and disease management in safeguarding pork markets and ensuring global food security.
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