Chinese-owned pork producer Smithfield prepares for US listing, Wall Street Journal reports

Smithfield Foods' Chinese owner WH Group (0288.HK) is working with banks to take the U.S.-based pork producer public again in the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Smithfield could list its shares as early as next year, the WSJ reported, adding that the deliberations are ongoing and the timing could change.

"The company regularly evaluates relisting Smithfield's stock in the U.S., but there is no time-table for it," WH Group said in an emailed statement to Reuters.