Pork market: trends and perspectives in 2025

Global pork production is expected to reach 126.3 million tonnes in 2025, a 1.0% increase from the previous year. The limited growth in breeding stock numbers and the continuous outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), particularly in parts of Asia and Europe, which continue to hinder disease control efforts, are expected to be offset by improved productivity and more efficient herd management, driving global production growth. In China, the world's largest producer, production is expected to increase as breeders accelerate slaughter to address excess stock following the government's decision to reduce the national breeding population by about 1 million head—from approximately 40.4 million to 39.5 million—to restore market balance and stabilize prices. Additionally, the recent prohibition of "secondary fattening," a practice where pigs ready for slaughter are kept or fattened beyond the ideal weight for slaughter in anticipation of higher prices, aims to curb market manipulation ...