China approves imports of breeding pigs from Ireland

BEIJING (Reuters) - China has allowed imports of breeding pigs from Ireland, the country's customs office said on Tuesday.

The breeding pigs must be put under quarantine in Ireland for no less than 30 days, before export, according to a notice published on the website of the General Administration of Customs.

The approval took effect on Oct. 18, according to the notice, which also set out various health and hygiene requirements for the export.

China ramped up imports of breeding pigs last year to meet surging demand from new farms to rebuild a pig herd decimated by the deadly African swine fever.

But the approval for Irish pigs came as the market has entered into oversupply.

China's pig prices have plunged this year on greater supplies and slaughter, leading to huge losses for corporate and small farmers.

China's sow herd contracted in July, first decline in two years, as farmers got rid of inefficient breeders. The fall continued in August.

(Reporting by Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton, Editing by Louise Heavens)