Fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Estonia expanded from 5.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 6.5 thousand tons in 2020. Initially, low feed grain prices supported sector profitability, aiding production recovery. However, by 2021, an 8% reduction in the sow breeding herd and increased live swine exports to Poland constrained domestic slaughter, leading to a slight dip in market volume to 6.4 thousand tons.

In 2022, the EU's implementation of a private storage aid scheme for pork, aimed at stabilizing markets disrupted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, provided direct incentives for production. This contributed to a peak market volume of 7.5 thousand tons. Despite this growth, self-sufficiency remained below 80%, maintaining reliance on imports.

Market volume corrected to 6.8 thousand tons in 2023 before recovering to 7.1 thousand tons in 2024. The later period saw shifting consumer preferences towards domestically produced and higher-quality pork, with new product segments such as shredded pork dishes emerging, reflecting diversified tastes.

Production fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Estonia's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses experienced a decline. In 2021, the output was valued at 12 620 thousand US dollars, marking a 17.8% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production overall increased by 6.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The peak value occurred in 2020, reaching 15 356 thousand US dollars, while the most significant year-on-year increase was in 2019 at 28.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following two years of expansion, Estonia's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses saw a downturn. In 2021, the country produced 6 482 tonnes, representing a 9.1% drop from the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 7 130 tonnes, and the largest annual increase took place in 2019, rising by 26.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Estonia's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses fell. In 2021, exports totaled 1 656 tonnes, a 48.6% decrease year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports declined by 17%, equating to an average annual reduction of 6.0%. The maximum export volume was in 2020 at 3 223 tonnes, with the most substantial increase occurring in 2019, up by 57.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania was the dominant partner in Estonia's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses by volume, accounting for 94.8% of total flows. Other markets held relatively minor shares during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed notable fluctuations over the period. Exports varied significantly, dropping from a high in 2020 to a low in 2021, with a 2.2-fold decrease. In 2021, exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Estonia amounted to 2 863 thousand US dollars, a 55.2% decline compared to 2020. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 6 395 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 71.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, Lithuania remained the leading destination for Estonia's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms, capturing 94.5% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets, which were more fragmented.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021

Imports fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses reached 1 594 tonnes, reflecting a 38.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 17.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.1%. The highest import volume was in 2020 at 2 585 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2020, up by 46.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium and Finland were the primary sources for Estonia's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses by volume. Belgium accounted for 51.4% of total flows, Finland for 28.8%, together making up 80.1% of imports. Other partners contributed the remaining volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Estonia's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses totaled 3 157 thousand US dollars, indicating a 42.6% decline compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 17.6%, with a compound annual reduction rate of 6.3%. The maximum value was in 2020 at 5 495 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 45.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, three key markets—Belgium, Finland, and Germany—collectively accounted for 89.8% of Estonia's total import value for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021