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

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Prague ham received the European Union's Protected Geographical Indication status as a Guaranteed Traditional Speciality, enhancing its market prestige and likely boosting demand for quality bone-in pork cuts. However, the total market volume in physical terms saw a slight decline from 81 287 tonnes in 2018 to 80 562 tonnes in 2019, followed by a more pronounced drop to 77 220 tonnes in 2020.

The market rebounded in 2021, with volume rising to 81 703 tonnes. This growth was supported by a reported increase in domestic pork production and the enactment of a law requiring large retail stores to source at least 55% of food products from Czech suppliers, which bolstered local manufacturing and reduced import reliance. In 2022, new EU food regulations covering hygiene, safety, and veterinary measures for animal products came into force, alongside updated Czech decrees that expanded ham classifications and altered storage and labeling requirements. These changes likely influenced production standards and consumer confidence, contributing to a further market expansion to 89 331 tonnes.

By 2023, market volume reached 92 328 tonnes, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward traditional and high-quality products like Prague ham, as well as gastronomic trends favoring premium hams and charcuterie. Legislative amendments governing product placement on the market also played a role. In 2024, the market stabilized at 91 373 tonnes, a marginal decrease that reflects a plateau after several years of growth.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Czechia's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 103.6 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Czechia's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 34 382 tonnes, reflecting a 4.2% improvement over the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 31 212 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase at 5.7%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Czechia's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts amounted to 131 tonnes, a decrease of 37.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 86.6%, with an annualized decline of 48.9%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2018 at 78.5%, while 2019 saw no change, remaining at 0.0% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovakia dominated Czechia's exports in kind, accounting for 92.5% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Czechia's exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 0.3 million US dollars, showing a significant drop of 34.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 85.9%, with an annualized rate of decline of 48.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia remained the top buyer of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts from Czechia, representing 88.9% of total export value. The rest was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Czechia's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 42 970 tonnes, a decrease of 10.1% from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 50 286 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 15.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Germany, and France led Czechia's imports in kind, with shares of 41.3%, 18.7%, and 14.5%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 74.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Czechia's imports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts reached 96.8 million US dollars, down 15.3% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 92.4 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 114.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and France were the main sources for Czechia's imports in value terms, with shares of 42.2%, 19.7%, and 12.4%, respectively. Combined, they represented 74.2% of total import value, continuing to be the primary suppliers.

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

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