The pricing of poultry and pork products will likely rise due to the recent avian flu and swine fever epidemics in Taiwan. Meat, dairy, eggs, and related grocery items are all expected to increase in cost this coming year.
Many countries have reported clusters of swine fever and avian flu. The first Taiwanese outbreak of avian influenza was reported earlier in December, which resulted in the culling of more than 10,000 birds. Currently there are no swine fever outbreaks in Taiwan, though experts are warning that this may happen soon.
Research director of National Central University, Dachrahn Wu (吳大任) says the cost increases are also due to inflation, global consumption, climate change, and logistics. He says that though there may be higher prices, the climb will be moderate. For example, crude oil exceeded $120 per barrel at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but has now fallen to about $80 per barrel. He says for oil prices to return to more than $100 will not be likely next year.
Wu adds that Taiwan's inflation should not be too considerable, but the rising price of consumer products will still be visible. Even though pork and chicken are produced in Taiwan, feed for raising pigs and chickens has to be imported. Taiwan’s food costs will rise due to climate change impacts on feed supply and avian flu and swine fever effects.