Estimated live pig supply
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    The number of live pigs arriving at slaughterhouses today (April 1) was 4,456, with 4,163 imported from the Mainland and 293 from local farms.  The wholesale price for live pigs ranges from $1,240 to $1,736 per 100 catties, with an average price at $1,516, a spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said.

    According to 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 (April 2) is 4,300.  With about 100 live pigs from local farms, the total number of live pigs available for auction tomorrow will be about 4,400.

    The spokesman said 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/Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:09

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