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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders and cuts in Ireland expanded strongly from 48.6 million dollars in 2018 to a peak of 82.4 million dollars in 2020. This growth was driven by a steady increase in domestic production, which rose from 69.4 million dollars to 80.3 million dollars, coupled with a significant reduction in export volumes over the same period.

Market dynamics shifted from 2021 onward, with size contracting to 54.2 million dollars that year as imports fell sharply and exports began to recover. A partial rebound followed, lifting the market to 69.4 million dollars in 2023, supported by a production surge to 98.7 million dollars.

In 2024, the market halved to 35.9 million dollars, its lowest point in the period. This sharp decline coincided with a jump in exports to 38.9 million dollars and a drop in production. Global supply chain disruptions and shifts in international demand altered trade flows for Irish pork products. Concurrently, ongoing regulatory enforcement, including mandatory country-of-origin labelling for pre-packed meat and EU-approved carcass grading systems, continued to define the operational landscape for producers.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Ireland's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 80 319 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate year-over-year increase of 9.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 69 389 thousand US dollars, when production fell by 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of decline, Ireland's production of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts has turned upward. In 2020, output totaled 23 204 tonnes, a slight increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 845 tonnes, while the steepest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.2%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Exports of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts from Ireland have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 5 623 tonnes, a significant drop of 53.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 68.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 32.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the primary destination for Ireland's exports in volume terms, accounting for 91.6% of total flows. The remaining share was spread across various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts from Ireland have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 13 979 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-over-year decline of 62.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 68.3%, with an average annual reduction of 31.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland's export structure in value terms was heavily concentrated on the United Kingdom, which represented 91.8% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes have shown irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The highest volume was in 2018, while the lowest was in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between them. In 2020, Ireland imported about 5 182 tonnes of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts, a sharp decline of 37.2% from the previous year. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 911 tonnes, when imports surged by 87.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Netherlands were the leading sources for Ireland's imports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 60.7% of imports, Denmark for 16.3%, and the Netherlands for 9.7%, together making up 86.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. The value of imports fluctuated significantly, with a 2.4-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2017. In 2020, Ireland imported 16 086 thousand US dollars worth of fresh or chilled bone-in pork hams, shoulders, and cuts, marking a sharp decrease of 25.3% from a year earlier. The highest value was in 2018 at 21 570 thousand US dollars, when imports jumped by 143.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Spain formed the core group of markets for Ireland's imports in value terms. The United Kingdom represented 62.3% of imports, Denmark 15.5%, and Spain 8.9%, collectively accounting for 86.8% of total flows.

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

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