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

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses expanded in volume and value from 2018 to 2019, reaching 194.1 thousand tons and 452.3 million dollars respectively. In 2020, a slight contraction occurred, coinciding with legislative changes that reorganized the national carcass classification system and enhanced price monitoring, introducing new compliance requirements for market participants.

Market volume continued to decline through 2021 and 2022, falling to 176.3 thousand tons, while value rebounded sharply in 2022 to 409.9 million dollars. The implementation of mandatory EU-aligned carcass classification rules in 2021 standardized the market. The following year, African swine fever outbreaks severely disrupted the pig farming sector, reducing domestic supply and blocking exports. Simultaneously, rising energy prices increased production costs, pushing up carcass prices. Foreign investors consolidated their presence, controlling over 30% of classified carcasses.

In 2023, the market volume decreased further to 169.1 thousand tons, but value climbed to 490.3 million dollars, reflecting sustained high price levels. By 2024, both volume and value recovered, reaching 190.8 thousand tons and 533.9 million dollars. This turnaround was supported by market stabilization after years of pressure and the growth of sliced and small-packaged product segments, which stimulated fresh pork consumption.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Romania's output of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses was valued at 333.3 million US dollars, marking a significant decline of 11.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value during this period was recorded in 2018 at 278.3 million US dollars, while the peak was reached in 2019 with 374.6 million US dollars. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Romania produced 147.1 thousand tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, showing a modest decrease of 7.2% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.9%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 135.1 thousand tonnes, and the maximum in 2019 at 158.5 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase was observed in 2019, with a growth of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 222 tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 65.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 95.6%, which equates to an annualized decline of 64.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Greece, and Bulgaria were the top destinations for Romania's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 41.3% of exports, Greece for 20.6%, and Bulgaria for 17.3%. Together, these three countries represented 79.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 497 thousand US dollars, which is 63.4% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 95.4%, with a compound annual decline rate of 64.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Greece, and Bulgaria dominated Romania's export structure in value terms. Hungary contributed 40.1% of export value, Greece 20.2%, and Bulgaria 17.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 77.3% of total export flows.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in volume terms showed notable fluctuations during the period. Import volumes peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with the peak being 1.9 times higher than the trough. In 2020, imports reached 43 776 tonnes, reflecting an increase of 20.6% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 12.5%, while the most significant rise was in 2018, with an 82.6% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the largest suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Romania in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 45.1% of imports, Belgium for 24.3%, and the Netherlands for 7.3%. Together, these three countries made up 76.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 87 720 thousand US dollars, which is 10.9% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 76.4%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 20.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Hungary, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Romania in value terms. Hungary contributed 39.5% of import value, Belgium 26.0%, and the Netherlands 8.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.6% of total import flows.

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

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