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

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in Slovakia showed considerable movement in both volume and value between 2018 and 2024. Market volume peaked at over 66,500 t in 2022 after a period of growth from 2020, but then contracted to around 56,000 t by 2024, a level similar to 2018. In contrast, the market's value in US dollars demonstrated a strong upward trend, rising from $126.4 million to a high of $164.2 million in 2023 before a slight correction, indicating significant price increases over the period that outweighed volume changes.

The initial decline in volume in 2019 was followed by a moderate recovery in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced disruptions to supply chains and operations during that year, coinciding with a drop in domestic production that was offset by a sharp rise in imports, maintaining overall market supply. The subsequent years of 2021 and 2022 saw the market volume expand substantially, driven primarily by continued growth in imports, which reached 42,559 t in 2022.

The market's volume contraction in 2023 and 2024 occurred alongside sustained high prices. This dynamic was influenced by broader global factors, including rising costs for energy and raw materials, which increased production expenses and put upward pressure on consumer prices. Concurrently, general consumer trends toward greater awareness and preferences for healthier food choices contributed to evolving demand patterns within the meat sector.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Slovakia's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 88.0 million US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 21.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 26.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 112.7 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2018 at 40.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of expansion, Slovakia's production of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses saw a downturn. In 2020, the country produced 41 918 tonnes, reflecting a notable decline of 18.5% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 5.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest output was achieved in 2019 with 51 411 tonnes, while the most substantial increase took place in 2018 at 18.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes displayed considerable volatility throughout the observed period. The peak was reached in 2019, while the lowest point occurred in 2017, with a two-fold difference between them. In 2020, Slovakia exported 17 338 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses, representing an 18.4% decrease compared to the prior year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 21 258 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year surge observed in 2018 at 73.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Czechia were the leading destinations for Slovakia's exports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 68.9% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 9.5% and Czechia at 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 86.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses exported from Slovakia declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 33.7 million US dollars, showing a substantial decrease of 24.6% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 60.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 17.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 44.7 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 52.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Czechia topped the list of buyers for Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms. Hungary held a 69.0% share of exports, the Netherlands accounted for 9.5%, and Czechia represented 8.1%. Collectively, these three markets made up 86.6% of total export value.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, Slovakia's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses rebounded. In 2020, the country imported 31 500 tonnes, indicating a sharp increase of 25.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.6%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 25 061 tonnes, with the most pronounced drop occurring that same year at 20.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, unspecified European countries, and Czechia were the primary suppliers of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses to Slovakia in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 28.9% of imports, unspecified European countries for 23.3%, and Czechia for 19.1%. Together, these sources represented 71.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Slovakia's import value for fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses increased. In 2020, imports reached 62.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 19.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 8.1%, translating to a compound annual decline rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 52.6 million US dollars, with the most significant decrease occurring that year at 13.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, unspecified European countries, and Czechia led the structure of Slovakia's imports of fresh or chilled pork carcasses and half-carcasses in value terms. Belgium accounted for 28.9% of import value, unspecified European countries for 25.1%, and Czechia for 18.7%. Collectively, these three sources constituted 72.7% of total import flows.

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

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