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H1N1 flu won't poison global trade: MOC

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-15 22:20

BEIJING -- The A(H1N1) flu that has claimed 64 lives in Mexico will not significantly shake global trade at this stage, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman Yao Jian told a press conference Friday.

Full Coverage:  A(H1N1) Influenza Outbreak Related readings:  H1N1 flu positive patients recovering  H1N1 flu cases rise but not to pandemic level  2nd A(H1N1) case confirmed in HK  Mainland confirms second case of A(H1N1) flu  Beijing hotel quarantined due to A(H1N1) case

However, trading of pork products and mobility of laborers may be affected, as the flu was originally discovered among pigs and people may catch the disease through contact with patients.

In China, statistics released by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) showed pork prices in major Chinese cities averaged 10.13 yuan per kg (US$1.5) at the end of April, down 10.4 percent from the same period last year and 25 percent since the year's beginning.

The price drop was mainly attributed to over supply on domestic market, according to the NDRC.

The outbreak of A(H1N1) may have also helped drag the price down.

According to Yao, the country will adjust current policy concerning pork imports in accordance with situation changes.

At present, China has taken restrictive measures on pig and pork imports from the flu-affected regions in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while keeping a green light on import of cooked pork products.