The price of pork in China jumped 14% in April compared with a year earlier, while broader food prices for consumers rose 6.1%, reported the New York Times..
Agriculture officials have warned that pork prices this year could go up by 70%, as China deals with a devastating swine fever epidemic. Last week, the average price of several types of fruit hit a nearly five-year high of 50 cents per pound, while apples reach $1 a pound, said a government report.
Various forces are driving up food prices. Chinese officials are still trying to contain the outbreak of swine fever, with more than a million pigs being culled to stop the spread of the disease, though it appears to be continuing. For fruits and vegetables, Chinese authorities blame severe weather conditions and say that the price increases will only be temporary.