March 23, 2022

EU pork market expands domestically

Eurostat's EU December pork production data showed exports have declined in the second half of 2021 as demand from China fell, with the increased pork output consumed domestically in the region, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported.

EU's pork output was 2% higher in 2021 to 23.4 million tonnes, with 250 million swine slaughtered.

Pork production in Germany was 3% down, remained stable in Poland and France, while there was increased output in the Netherlands (3% up), Spain (4% up), and Denmark (8% up). Spain was the top producer of pork in the EU at 5.2 million tonnes, with China its top export market.

AHDB's analysis of the Eurostat report found that the majority of the declining swine population in the EU were heavier hogs, with a smaller drop in young piglets. It is possible that swine have been held back in anticipation of increased prices. AHDB suggests swine prices in the EU could drop due to reports of good pork supplies in the EU market.

AHDB also said the increased demand last year is probably sustainable and domestic consumption inside the EU could continue. Other reports show rising farmgate prices and soaring costs in the supply chain has not deterred pork sales.

-      Agriculture and Horticulture Development