Estimated live pig supply
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    The number of live pigs arriving at slaughterhouses today (March 29) is 3778, with 3541 imported from the Mainland and 237 from local farms.  The wholesale price for live pigs ranges from $1302 to $1766 per 100 catties, with an average price at $1494, 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 (March 30) will be 3800.  Together with a supply of some 100 live pigs from local farms, the total number of live pigs available for auction tomorrow will be about 3900.

    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/Saturday, March 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:09

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