Fresh or chilled pork market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh pork market in Croatia experienced fluctuations, starting at 107 063 t. The market volume dipped in 2019 to 102 127 t as the country's self-sufficiency continued to decline. It rebounded to 109 141 t in 2020, supported by state aid programs for primary producers implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped sustain operations and imports.

Market volume surged to 119 235 t in 2021, fueled by extended state support and the regulatory push for higher quality standards, including the launch of the national 'Proven Quality' certification system for fresh pork. Growth then plateaued around 116 000 t in 2022-2023. The outbreak of African swine fever introduced control measures that disrupted production, while simultaneous spikes in feed costs due to supply chain issues and drought pressured farmers, limiting domestic output despite steadily rising imports.

In 2024, the market expanded again to 120 405 t. Production recovered somewhat, and imports reached a new high, reflecting persistent structural reliance on foreign supply. Ongoing controls for African swine fever and elevated input costs continued to shape the market.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, Croatia's production of fresh or chilled pork declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 147.9 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 148.8 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 14.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of expansion, Croatia's production volume of fresh or chilled pork saw a decline. In 2020, the country produced 53 460 tonnes, remaining largely unchanged from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 28.1%, averaging an 8.6% annual increase. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 53 657 tonnes, while the largest surge happened in 2018 with a 25.5% rise.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's export volume of fresh or chilled pork fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 5 208 tonnes, down 5.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.7%. The maximum volume was achieved in 2018 at 6 236 tonnes, with the steepest drop occurring in 2019 at 12.1%, while the largest increase was noted in 2018 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia remained the primary buyers of Croatia's fresh or chilled pork in volume terms. Slovenia accounted for 66.2% of exports, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 11.3%, and Serbia for 8.9%, collectively making up 86.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of fresh or chilled pork exports from Croatia dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 18.1 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial decrease of 10.2% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 21.2 million US dollars, with the most notable increase also occurring that year at 16.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia were the main destinations for Croatia's fresh or chilled pork exports in value terms. Slovenia represented 66.5% of export value, Bosnia and Herzegovina 12.3%, and Serbia 11.0%, together accounting for 89.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Croatia's imports of fresh or chilled pork reached 60 888 tonnes, showing a robust year-on-year increase of 12.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 53 952 tonnes, while the peak was in 2018 at 60 915 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 11.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, Hungary, and Spain were the key sources for Croatia's imports of fresh or chilled pork in volume terms. Germany contributed 23.6% of imports, Hungary 21.0%, and Spain 15.4%, collectively representing 60.0% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Croatia imported approximately 149.6 million US dollars worth of fresh or chilled pork in 2020, indicating a modest year-on-year decline of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 148.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 152.7 million US dollars. The largest increase took place in 2019 at 2.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Hungary, and Spain played dominant roles in Croatia's imports of fresh or chilled pork in value terms. Germany accounted for 23.6% of import value, Hungary for 21.4%, and Spain for 17.0%, together making up 62.1% of total import flows.

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

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