November 9, 2020

 

Expansion of Portugal's swine sector supported by increased overseas demand

 

 

Portugal continues to expand its swine sector driven by increasing overseas demand, mainly from Asia, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 

Portuguese live swine exports to Spain have also boomed as the latter faces tight hog supplies.

 

According to Eurostat, in 2020, Portugal's total swine beginning stocks increased 0.5% compared to last year. In 2019, total slaughters rose 0.15% to 5.55 million heads. The Portuguese swine industry expects the rise in slaughters to continue in 2020 and 2021 as Portugal seeks to satisfy the domestic and export demand for pork.

 

Portuguese swine slaughter is comprised of approximately 30% piglets slaughtered and 70% hogs. The production of piglets is mainly destined for the hospitality sector, events, and celebrations.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of the hospitality sector significantly impacted Portuguese piglet producers. Thus, for 2020, a decline in piglet slaughter is expected which will be compensated by the increase in hog slaughter, reaching a total of 5.6 million animals.

 

Additionally, carcass weight will increase due to the lower production of piglets and higher production of hogs. For 2020, pork meat production is forecast to grow 3.5% to 380,000 tonnes. In the next three years, the Portuguese pork industry expects to increase its pork production by 10% in response to demand.

 

In January 2019, Portuguese frozen pork and swine offal obtained access to China.

 

During the first eight months of 2020, the volume of Portuguese pork exports to China grew six-fold and reached US$27.5 million (12,225 tonnes), being the main driver behind the continued expansion of the Portuguese swine sector.

 

Exports of live swine to Spain doubled during the first eight months of 2020. These exports are mainly destined for slaughtered at a new Spanish pork facility. The recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Germany may disrupt the Portuguese live swine market as prices for live hogs from Northern European countries lower and become more competitive.

 

Japan is also an important export destination for Portuguese pork valued at US$5 million in 2019 and exports are expected to continue growing in 2020.

 

Portugal is a net importer of live swine and pork to satisfy domestic demand.

 

In 2019, according to Trade Data Monitor (TDM), Portugal imported 1.1 million head of live swine, mainly from Spain, valued at US$157 million. This trend may continue in 2020 and 2021 to satisfy the increasing domestic demand.

 

- USDA