In pig plague, South American, European crop giants to benefit the most

The trade war between Washington and Beijing will also play a role, hampering US meat shipments to the benefit of South America and Europe

The world’s top agricultural-commodity traders have for months stuck to the mantra they’ll benefit from a deadly pig disease roiling global markets. Just how much they’ll profit depends on the location of their assets.

Success will hinge on whether the firms have plants that process soybeans into meal for pig feed in nations where meat-export demand is set to rise. That’s as China seeks more protein from overseas, with African swine fever expected to wipe out a third of its hog herd. The trade war between Washington and Beijing will also play a role, hampering US meat shipments to the benefit