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

Earlier Report Observations

Following the introduction of new animal welfare support conditions and state sector mapping for pig farming in 2018, the market volume for fresh or chilled pork carcasses in Hungary grew to 218 thousand tons in 2019. The market then contracted to 185 thousand tons in 2020, influenced by administrative rules mandating local authority inspections of markets and new restrictions limiting small producers to sales within a 40 km radius, which likely constrained local supply.

By 2023, the market volume further decreased to 179 thousand tons, even as domestic production increased, a shift attributed to rising exports. In 2024, the market recovered to 206 thousand tons, driven by new investment support for pig farming enterprises under the CAP Strategic Plan and improved consumer demand linked to higher real incomes.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, Hungary's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses was valued at 434.0 million US dollars, marking an 8.1% decline compared to 2019. Over the three-year period from 2018 to 2020, production grew by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 472.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

In 2020, Hungary produced 192.8 thousand tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, representing a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 206.0 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual growth of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

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

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 33 111 tonnes, showing a significant 27.7% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 111.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 28.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Croatia, and Italy were the primary markets for Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in volume terms. Romania accounted for 66.9% of exports, Croatia for 7.6%, and Italy for 5.9%, together making up 80.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's export value of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses has risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 63 701 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong 20.1% increase over 2020. From 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 109.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Croatia, and Italy were the leading destinations for Hungary's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms. Romania represented 66.4% of export value, Croatia 7.9%, and Italy 6.2%, collectively accounting for 80.6% of total exports.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 25 694 tonnes, indicating a sharp 17.2% contraction compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 54.1%, with an average annual decline of 22.9%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 34 536 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.0%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 47.2% decrease.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Slovakia, Croatia, and Belgium remained the main suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Hungary in volume terms. Slovakia contributed 44.1% of imports, Croatia 23.6%, and Belgium 14.2%, together forming 81.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's import value of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses has decreased for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 25 694 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 26.0% drop year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, import value declined by 55.1%, with an average annual decrease of 23.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 68 759 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest annual increase of 20.1%. The most pronounced decline was in 2020, with a 49.5% reduction.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Croatia, and Belgium constituted the primary sources for Hungary's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 45.5% of import value, Croatia for 23.2%, and Belgium for 14.1%, with a combined share of 82.7% of total import flows.

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

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