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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, Ireland's market for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses was characterized by steadily declining imports, which fell from 1 006 t to under 400 t, while exports consistently exceeded 12 000 t annually, highlighting the sector's export orientation. Domestic production, recorded at 23 998 t in 2022, provided the base for subsequent shifts in market volume.

Production rose to 25 243 t in 2023, accompanied by a domestic market volume increase to 13 064 t. This growth aligned with the Irish Farmers' Association's active promotion of pigmeat exports and rising consumer demand for quality-assured, sustainable pork. In 2024, production moderated to 24 053 t and market volume contracted to 10 758 t. The sector navigated stricter enforcement of EU food safety regulations, achieved a 7% growth in export value supported by a 2.8% rise in slaughter numbers and stabilized feed costs, while ongoing debates over country-of-origin labelling reflected consumer preferences for greater transparency.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Ireland's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 12 025 tonnes, marking a modest 4.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 14.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 904 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 15.2% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 5.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany dominated Ireland's export structure for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, accounting for 92.3% of total shipments. Other destinations played a relatively minor role in comparison.

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

In 2020, Ireland's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses reached 16 583 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 14.9% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 19 478 thousand US dollars. The most notable increase occurred in 2019 with an 11.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany was the primary market for Ireland's fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms, representing 92.4% of total exports. Other destinations contributed only a small fraction to the overall export value.

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 pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. From 2018 to 2020, the difference between the highest and lowest points was 2.7 times. In 2020, Ireland imported 371 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, representing a sharp 27.1% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 006 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 49.5% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 83.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom remained the main source for Ireland's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, accounting for 96.2% of total import volume. The remaining imports were spread across various other countries.

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 exhibited significant volatility during this period. Imports peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, representing a threefold difference. In 2020, Ireland's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses were valued at 1 108 thousand US dollars, marking a 25.8% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 314 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 54.9% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 76.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom continued to be the principal market for Ireland's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms, representing 94.0% of total import value. The remaining imports were distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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