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

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for fresh pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Norway saw moderate growth, rising from 56 000 t to 58 000 t. During these years, industry efforts focused on enhancing meat quality through targeted breeding for leaner meat with higher intramuscular fat and biennial monitoring of fat quality. Key cooperatives and state-influenced entities like Nortura, Animalia, and Norsvin collaborated on long-term quality improvement programs, while private slaughterhouses explored opportunities for specialty products such as the Swedish Guldgris concept.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the market in 2020, reducing cross-border shopping and travel, which boosted domestic demand for pork. This led to a sharp expansion, with the market volume surging to 86 000 t in 2020, supported by increased domestic production and a substantial rise in imports. Sales remained elevated in 2021, keeping the market volume high at 76 000 t, as pork consumption stayed about 9% above pre-pandemic levels, though a gradual correction began.

In the post-pandemic period from 2022 to 2024, the market contracted, falling to 72 000 t in 2022 and further to 60 000 t in 2024. This decline was driven by a significant drop in pork imports alongside a reduction in Norwegian production, despite higher slaughter weights partially offsetting fewer animals. The emptying of regulatory pork reserves in early 2022 affected market availability, while a broader decline in overall meat consumption in Norway following the pandemic contributed to the reduced market size.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Norway's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses was valued at 260.3 million US dollars, representing a 9.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 23.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 210.0 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 287.1 million US dollars. The most significant increase took place in 2020, with a rise of 36.7%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Following two years of growth, Norway's production volume of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined. In 2021, production amounted to 64 136 tonnes, which is 21.5% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, overall production increased by 15.5%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 4.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 81 658 tonnes, with the largest increase of 41.7% also occurring that year.

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

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

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. There was a 397-fold difference between the peak in 2021 and the low in 2020. In 2021, Norway exported 40 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, marking an extraordinary year-over-year increase of 39 589.0%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2020 at just 0.1 tonnes, with the sharpest decline of 99.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Ukraine were the primary destinations for Norway's exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 66.2% of total flows, while Ukraine represented 33.7%. Together, these two markets constituted 99.8% of all exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior showed considerable volatility during these years. Export values peaked in 2021 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 65-fold difference between the two. In 2021, Norway exported fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses worth 93 000 US dollars, reflecting a dramatic year-over-year increase of 6 383.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 000 US dollars, with the most substantial decline of 95.2% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany was the dominant buyer of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses from Norway in value terms, accounting for 74.7% of total exports. Other countries collectively represented the remaining share.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Norway's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 11 737 tonnes, up by 194.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 2 264.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 187.0%.

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

During 2018–2021, Germany dominated Norway's import structure in volume terms, absorbing 84.7% of total flows. The remainder was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses continued to grow for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 27 811 000 US dollars, showing a 233.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports expanded by 2 405.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 192.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the predominant source of Norway's imports in value terms, accounting for 82.9% of total flows. The remaining imports came from a variety of smaller partners.

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

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