ASF and bird flu tighten meat supply in South Korea
South Korean Meat Prices Surge as ASF and Bird Flu Reduce Supply
Retail meat prices in South Korea have risen sharply as disease outbreaks reduce domestic livestock supply.
According to reporting by Korea JoongAng Daily, pork belly prices have climbed 13.5% year on year, while domestic beef tenderloin has increased by 10.8%. Broiler chicken prices are also up 11.1% amid ongoing supply disruption.
South Korean authorities have recorded 22 cases of African swine fever so far in 2026, compared with six cases reported during the whole of 2025. More than 50 outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have also been recorded during the winter season, further tightening supply.
Imported beef prices have risen even more sharply. US beef prices increased by 63.7%, reflecting the combined impact of global market pressures and a weaker Korean won.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily | 5 March 2026
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