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

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled pork carcasses in Greece declined from over 95 000 tons in 2018 to around 83 000 tons in 2020. A sharp recovery followed in 2021, lifting consumption to nearly 103 000 tons.

From 2022, the market encountered persistent challenges due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF) across Europe and sustained high feed prices. These factors reduced pig herds and constrained domestic production, which fell by 5% in 2022. During this period, new ministerial rules on carcass classification based on lean meat percentage were introduced to streamline pricing, while updated animal welfare regulations aimed to improve farming conditions. Despite these pressures, import volumes helped keep the overall market size around 100 000 tons in 2022 and 2023.

In 2024, the market volume rebounded to over 105 000 tons, suggesting a partial recovery as the sector adapted to the ongoing disease and cost pressures.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Greece's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses reached a value of 84 468 thousand US dollars, marking a 3.4% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 13.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2020, Greece produced 24 713 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, showing only a slight variation compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The peak production level was achieved in 2018 at 25 992 tonnes. The most notable decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 5.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 9.8%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Greece's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 712 tonnes, reflecting a robust year-over-year increase of 20.7%. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 42.3%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Netherlands remained the top buyers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Greece. Bulgaria accounted for 38.8% of exports in volume, Germany for 21.4%, and the Netherlands for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 68.0% of Greece's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Greece's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 2.1 million US dollars, up by 28.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports more than doubled, rising by 102%, which equates to an average annual growth rate of 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Bulgaria, and Cyprus were the largest buyers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Greece in value terms. Germany held a 38.9% share of export value, Bulgaria accounted for 19.0%, and Cyprus for 8.6%. Collectively, these three markets made up 66.5% of Greece's total export value in this sector.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Greece's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 58 862 tonnes, representing a 12.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany continued to be the main suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Greece. The Netherlands accounted for 60.0% of import volume, France for 19.8%, and Germany for 5.4%. Together, these three countries supplied 85.2% of Greece's total imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Greece's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses amounted to 135.3 million US dollars, showing a significant decline of 18.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.9%. The largest increase during this period was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 10.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, France, and Germany were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Greece in value terms. The Netherlands held a 60.4% share of import value, France accounted for 17.8%, and Germany for 6.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 85.0% of Greece's total import value in this sector.

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

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