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The number of live pigs arriving at slaughter houses today (February 7) is 1300, with 1252 imported from the Mainland and 48 from local farms. The wholesale price for live pigs ranges from $1220 to $1400 per 100 catties, with an average price at $1297, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said.
According to the information provided by the Special Commissioner's Office in Guangzhou, Ministry of Commerce, the estimated number of live pigs to be imported from the Mainland for tomorrow (February 8) will be 1500. Together with about 100 live pigs from local farms, the total number of live pigs to be transported to slaughter houses tomorrow is about 1600.
Since the demand for live pigs during Lunar New Year holidays will normally decrease, live pig agents will correspondingly import fewer pigs during holidays for supplying the retail market on the following day, the spokesman explained.
The spokesman added that announcing the estimated live pig supply for the following day could enhance information flow and transparency of the market. Members of the public and traders could better understand the overall supply of live pigs.
Noting that the estimated figures only served as an indicator, the spokesman said the actual supply should be adjusted in accordance with market demand.
Ends/Thursday, February 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:04
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