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Singapore to revive live pig imports from Indonesia after pause

Jan 24, 2026, 9:00 PM10
(Update: Jan 24, 2026, 9:00 PM)
sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia
country in Southeast Asia and Oceania

Singapore to revive live pig imports from Indonesia after pause

  • After pausing live pig imports from Pulau Bulan in April 2023 due to African swine fever, Singapore plans to resume them.
  • Currently, FairPrice Group imports around 3,000 pigs weekly from Malaysia, accounting for nearly half of pork sales.
  • The efforts to diversify sources reflect the ongoing commitment to ensure a stable supply of pork for Singapore.
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Singapore is aiming to resume live pig imports from Indonesia's Pulau Bulan after halting them in April 2023 due to an African swine fever outbreak linked to a pig consignment. This decision is part of the Singapore Food Agency’s ongoing strategy to diversify food sources, ensuring a stable supply of pork in the region. Currently, FairPrice Group imports approximately 3,000 live pigs from Malaysia each week, which make up nearly half of its pork sales. The revival of imports from Indonesia is anticipated to enhance the overall supply chain and meat freshness for consumers in Singapore. The FairPrice Group, which is the sole importer of live pigs into Singapore, has expressed its commitment to provide high-quality pork products to its customers. The company’s plans include a 20% increase in its pig imports ahead of the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in February. This uptick in imports will lead to an additional 600 pigs being brought in. The pigs are raised on a healthy diet for 180 days and are free from antibiotics or growth promoters, ensuring a premium product. Moreover, as part of the efforts to ensure a diverse and resilient supply chain, FairPrice also sources pork imports from Australia and various other nations, including Brazil and Japan. The company's strategy aims to fulfill the increasing demand for pork during festive periods and ensure its availability to Singapore's households. Their approach reflects a broader trend among retailers who are enhancing their supply resilience through varied sourcing strategies. The necessity for securing reliable food sources has become increasingly evident following prior health crises. The 1999 Nipah virus outbreak, for instance, led to a significant ban on pig imports from Malaysia after a tragic loss of lives, underscoring the importance of food safety regulations. By augmenting its import strategies and maintaining safety protocols, Singapore positions itself to mitigate similar risks in the future, while also ensuring that high-quality pork remains accessible to consumers.

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