3 chapters across the catalog
CBS News reports on the closure of major meatpacking plants, including Tyson Foods in Iowa, due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Speculation arises that these closures might be a price-gouging tactic by meatpackers to exploit the gap between rancher prices and retail costs.
The discussion explores the possibility that meatpackers are artificially restricting supply to jack up prices on pork. This is linked to the trade agreement requiring tens of billions of dollars in exports to China, which primarily consumes pork and duck.
China's pig population is being decimated by African Swine Fever, with estimates suggesting the loss of up to 200 million animals. Pork prices in Beijing are expected to rise by 70%, creating a significant inflation risk for the Chinese government. The hosts note that they reported on this "Piggy Ebola" weeks before mainstream outlets like CNN.
