France: Reduction of pig slaughter

Slaughters in France saw a significant reduction in the first three months of 2023 compared to previous years. In twelve consecutive months, volumes dropped sharply (-3.3% in weight and -2.4% in heads). For almost two years, the volume of slaughter in France has been reduced, accompanying the reduction in the herd. Given the still unfavorable weather conditions, but also the effects of inflation on consumption, French domestic demand remains rather sluggish at this stage. In the first two months of 2023, when compared to the same period in 2022, the volume of French exports of fresh, chilled or frozen meat fell (-15%, -12 kt). In reduction for EU destinations (-15%, -8 kt); exports fell to Italy, the main destination (-3%, - 1 kt) and also fell to Third Countries (-15%, - 4 kt), in particular to China (-20%, - 2 kt). Exports to China remain weak due to the development of Chinese ...