Fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Belgian market for fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams expanded from USD 77.3 million to USD 94.1 million. This initial growth was supported by Belgium's reinforcement of biosecurity standards in pig farms to combat African swine fever, which led to the lifting of export embargos and the reopening of key markets. Concurrently, the promotion of quality labels like BePork and Magistral, with their strict origin, animal welfare, and sustainability requirements, helped sustain domestic production.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2021, with the market value falling to USD 49.0 million, primarily due to a swine sector crisis characterized by very low piglet prices and high feed costs that squeezed farmers' finances. The recovery began that same year when the ban on herd repopulation related to African swine fever was lifted, allowing production to resume. This recovery accelerated from 2022 onwards, aided by regulatory measures such as the Royal Decree of May 20, 2022, which strengthened pig identification and traceability. By 2024, the market value had risen to USD 111.6 million, driven by increased production and slaughter volumes of heavy pigs.

Throughout the period, evolving consumer preferences and regulatory discussions shaped the market environment. Belgian consumers showed increased interest in Italian raw hams and plant-based alternatives, while authorities debated restrictions on terms like 'vegetarian ham'. Ongoing legislative updates, including new food hygiene rules enacted in early 2024, continued to influence production standards and market dynamics.

Production fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts was valued at 149.7 million US dollars, representing a slight decline of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 139.5 million US dollars, marking the most significant drop of 10.2% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year decline, Belgium's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts rebounded in 2020. The country produced 68 018 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 8.7% from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 62 594 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, Belgium's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts rose in 2020. The country exported 49 878 tonnes, reflecting a limited gain of 3.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 16.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 48 186 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Italy were the primary destinations for Belgium's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts in volume terms. Germany accounted for 42.6% of exports, Poland for 20.6%, and Italy for 16.0%. Together, these three countries represented 79.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts were valued at 105.7 million US dollars, down by 2.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 14.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 4.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 99.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 19.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Poland, and Italy remained the key buyers of Belgium's fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts in value terms. Germany held 43.9% of export value, Poland 18.8%, and Italy 15.9%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 78.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Belgium's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts declined in 2020. Imports totaled 14 329 tonnes, remaining largely stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 390 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands dominated Belgium's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts in volume terms, capturing 77.9% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Belgium's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 50.0 million US dollars, up by 2.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 60.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands concentrated most of Belgium's import value for fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts, accounting for 78.8% of total flows. The remaining share was fragmented among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020