South Africa’s pork sector is facing renewed price pressure as African Swine Fever (ASF) spreads across several provinces, adding to the ongoing impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) on the broader meat industry.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation reported outbreaks at commercial pig farms in the Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and areas northeast of Pretoria. Industry leaders say the disruption, though limited in scale, is already tightening supply.
Roughly72,000 pigs are slaughtered each week nationwide. According to Eskort CEO Arnold Prinsloo, about7,000 animals have been removed from the formal market due to the combined effects of ASF and FMD. Even relatively small reductions can have an outsized effect on pricing, with a2% supply shortfall capable of lifting prices by around10%.
Wholesale pork prices have climbed from approximately R32 per kilogram to R40 in recent weeks. Analysts expect further increases as the supply impact moves through the value chain. Previously available surplus stock has now been exhausted, reducing the industry’s ability to cushion price volatility.
Although Eskort, which holds about10% of the domestic pork market, has reported no infections within its own farming operations, the company says it remains exposed to broader market forces.
Authorities stress that ASF and FMD affect animal health only and do not pose risks to consumers. Pork sold through regulated channels remains subject to veterinary oversight and inspection under national food safety legislation.
Rising meat costs have become a key contributor to inflation. While headline inflation is holding near3.5%, food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation stood at4.4% year-on-year in December2025. Meat inflation reached12.6% in the same month, up from12.2% in November.
Economists at Nedbank expect elevated meat price growth to persist, warning that double-digit increases could continue until around April2026.
