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

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Lithuanian market for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses grew from 50 553 t to 66 977 t in volume and from 88.6 M $ US to 126.6 M $ US in value. This expansion was initially supported by increased pork imports from other EU member states, which broadened supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in demand as consumers cooked more at home during lockdowns, sharply driving up market volume.

Following the 2020 peak, market volume contracted to 51 947 t by 2023, while its value rose to 148.8 M $ US. This decline in physical volume was primarily due to systemic raw material shortages and outbreaks of African Swine Fever in Germany and other EU countries, which constrained pork supply across Europe. These supply shocks, coupled with significant volatility in input costs, led to higher prices, explaining the market's increased value despite lower consumption.

In 2024, the market volume recovered to 55 213 t, while its value remained nearly stable at 148.5 M $ US. Pork price increases were slower than for other meats, reflecting shifts in consumer preferences. Major wholesale trade networks, such as Norfa which sells about half of domestically produced fresh pork, continued to adjust prices in response to competition, contributing to cost stability even as volumes grew.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Lithuania's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses experienced a decline. In 2021, the output was valued at 77 287 thousand US dollars, marking a 5.6% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 40.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.9%. The peak value occurred in 2020 at 81 886 thousand US dollars, which also saw the most significant annual increase of 43.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of growth, Lithuania's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses decreased. In 2021, the country produced 42 750 tonnes, a 3.1% drop from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 29.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2020 at 44 104 tonnes, with that year also experiencing the largest annual rise of 33.6%.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

Lithuania's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 371 tonnes, a sharp decline of 62.2% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports dropped by 85.2%, with an average annual decrease of 47.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland dominated Lithuania's exports in volume, accounting for 76.6% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's export value of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 718 thousand US dollars, a significant 60.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 81.8%, with an average annual decline of 43.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Lithuania's export value was highly concentrated, with Poland and Latvia together representing 87.4% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remainder.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Lithuania imported 22 698 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, a modest 4.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 19 483 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 23 854 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 22.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium, Poland, and Estonia were the leading sources of imports by volume, accounting for 41.5%, 30.7%, and 11.1% respectively. Together, they represented 83.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Lithuania's import value of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined. In 2021, imports totaled 40 800 thousand US dollars, a 12.3% drop from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 9.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 46 531 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 13.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Poland, and Estonia were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Lithuania in value terms, representing 41.5%, 30.6%, and 11.1% of imports respectively. Collectively, they accounted for 83.1% of total import value.

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

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