W9 Pork Update: Germany and Belgium Report Decreased Pork Slaughterhouse Activity

Published 2024년 3월 8일

In W9 in the pork landscape, data from Portugal's pig slaughter statistics and meat trade figures reveals that Portugal experienced a notable increase in domestic pig slaughter activity alongside rising prices in 2023, reflecting potential growth in pork production driven by changes in consumer preferences and production costs. Despite a 3.2% YoY decline in overall meat imports, the total value of meat imports surged by 15.3% YoY, indicating a significant increase in import prices. Meanwhile, EU pork exports to third countries witnessed a considerable 18% YoY decline in 2023, raising concerns about the sector's long-term sustainability due to declining pig herd populations within the EU.

Portuguese Pig Slaughter Activity Increases in 2023 Alongside Rising Prices

Data from Portugal's pig slaughter statistics and meat trade figures for 2023 reveal positive growth in domestic production and higher import costs. The number of pigs sent for slaughter in Portugal witnessed a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 6.6% in 2023, reaching 938 thousand heads compared to 880 thousand heads in 2022. The average live weight of slaughtered pigs rose to 104.4 kilograms (kg) in 2023 from 103.4 kg in 2022, indicating potentially improved animal management practices or breed selection.

Overall meat imports into Portugal declined by 3.2% YoY in 2023, reaching 95.9 thousand metric tons (mt) compared to 97.4 thousand mt in 2022. This decrease was observed across both frozen and fresh/chilled meat categories, with respective YoY reductions of 7.9% and 1.6%. However, offal imports exhibited a 6.5% YoY increase, reaching 1,611 mt in 2023 compared to 1,512 mt in 2022. Despite the decline in import volume, the total value of meat import surged by 15.3% YoY in 2023, reaching USD 600 million compared to USD 520 million in 2022.

The observed increase in domestic pig slaughter activity alongside a decrease in meat imports, suggests potential growth in domestic pork production. However, the substantial rise in the total value of meat import despite the volume decline points towards a significant increase in import prices. This combined with higher average slaughter weights suggests potential adjustments within the Portuguese pork industry, driven by factors such as changes in consumer preferences and production costs.

EU Pork Exports to Third Countries Declined in 2023

Data from the European Commission (EC) reveals a significant decrease in European Union (EU) pork exports in 2023 compared to 2022. EU pork exports to third countries witnessed a total decline of 18% YoY in 2023, amounting to a decrease of 4.083 million metric tons (mmt) compared to 2022 figures. Spain remained the largest EU pork exporter in 2023 with a 31% market share but experienced a 19% YoY decline in export volume. Denmark and the Netherlands followed Spain as significant EU pork exporters, although they also experienced YoY declines of 30% and 13% respectively. Germany and Poland also saw export reductions of 16% and 21% YoY compared to 2022. China remained the primary destination for EU pork exports, followed by Great Britain and Japan.

The substantial decrease in EU pork exports to third countries in 2023 raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector. The EC report suggests that declining pig herd populations within the EU may lead to further reductions in pork exports to third countries in the coming years.