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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Germany grew from 5.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 6.4 million tonnes in 2019. This expansion was driven by the entry of the SUNTAT group with a new brand focused on quality and sustainable processes, alongside increasing concentration of specialized pig farming in key regions like Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia, which boosted production efficiency.

From 2020, the market entered a downturn. Pandemic-related restrictions on slaughter capacity and a drop in out-of-home demand reduced production, while the initial spread of African swine fever (ASF) began affecting pig herds. These factors led to a decline in market volume to 6.2 million tonnes in 2020 and a sharp fall to 3.4 million tonnes in 2021.

The contraction continued through 2022‑2024, with market volume dropping to 2.4 million tonnes in 2024. Import bans by major trading partners such as China and Japan due to ASF outbreaks severely limited export opportunities and depressed pig prices. Simultaneously, the sector faced a structural crisis with a significant reduction in pig herds and farm numbers. The phased introduction of mandatory state animal husbandry labeling from 2023 onward added regulatory pressure, influencing market dynamics alongside shifting consumer preferences toward meat alternatives.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's output of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses was valued at 6 421 million US dollars, marking a 4.3% decline compared to 2019. The lowest value in recent years occurred in 2018 at 6 147 million US dollars, while the peak was reached in 2019 at 6 711 million US dollars. The most significant drop was observed in 2018 with a 5.1% decrease, whereas the largest increase took place in 2019 with a 9.2% rise.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Germany's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 5 896 thousand tonnes, which represents a 3.0% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production expanded by 24%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6 077 thousand tonnes, with the most substantial increase that year at 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of decline, Germany's export volume of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 121.1 thousand tonnes, showing a 2.1% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports contracted by 38.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -14.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 118.7 thousand tonnes, with the sharpest decline occurring in 2018 at 26.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Austria, and Poland were the leading destinations for Germany's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in volume terms. Italy accounted for 46.2% of exports, Austria for 23.8%, and Poland for 9.3%. Together, these three countries represented 79.3% of Germany's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export earnings totaled 264.4 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 3.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports fell by 36.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Austria, and Poland were the top contributors to Germany's export value for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses. Italy represented 48.9% of export value, Austria 22.0%, and Poland 8.7%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 79.7% of Germany's total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's import volume of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 428.5 thousand tonnes, indicating a substantial 10.3% drop from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Germany in volume terms. Belgium contributed 47.2% of imports, Denmark 17.9%, and Poland 9.0%. Together, these three countries made up 74.1% of Germany's total import volume during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany imported fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses valued at 1 000 million US dollars, experiencing a significant 12.7% decline from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.6%. The most pronounced drop occurred in 2018 at 13.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 14.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Belgium, Denmark, and Poland were the leading sources of import value for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Germany. Belgium accounted for 53.4% of import value, Denmark for 17.3%, and Poland for 8.1%. Combined, these three countries represented 78.8% of Germany's total import value during this timeframe.

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

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