Fresh or chilled pork market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The Danish fresh pork market experienced strong growth in domestic consumption from 2018 to 2021, with volumes rising from 167 thousand tons to 393 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier, fresher, and more sustainable meat products, which bolstered demand. Concurrently, the sector's emphasis on high quality, animal welfare, and environmental standards enhanced the competitiveness of Danish pork. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 affected supply chains but also reinforced home consumption patterns, contributing to the market's upward trajectory.

From 2022 onward, the market contracted, with consumption falling to 277 thousand tons by 2024. This decline was driven by supply-side constraints, including high feed prices and a reduction in the Danish pig herd, which limited production. Export dynamics also played a role; decreased demand from China and the closure of pig farms in Germany led to a European oversupply, influencing trade flows and domestic availability. During this period, consumer spending on pork in retail value continued to rise, reflecting higher prices rather than volume growth, as the organic and sustainable segments gained prominence amid ongoing regulatory focus on animal welfare and environmental impact.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Denmark's fresh or chilled pork production was valued at 1 932 million US dollars, marking a gradual contraction of 4.1% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2020 at 2 015 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Denmark's fresh or chilled pork production rose for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 903.3 thousand tonnes—a 12.3% increase compared to 2020. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 777.0 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the most significant decline of 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Denmark's exports of fresh or chilled pork rebounded in 2021, totaling 559.2 thousand tonnes—a 5.4% rise from the previous year. However, between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 28.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 10.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 530.3 thousand tonnes, with the steepest drop of 29.4% occurring in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for Denmark's fresh or chilled pork exports by volume. Germany accounted for 39.2% of exports, Poland for 18.7%, and the United Kingdom for 16.1%, collectively making up 73.9% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's fresh or chilled pork exports declined for the third consecutive year in 2021, amounting to 1 075 million US dollars—an 8.2% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, exports dropped by 25.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.5%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland consistently led as the top destinations for Denmark's fresh or chilled pork exports by value. Germany represented 35.2% of export value, the United Kingdom 18.3%, and Poland 17.4%, together accounting for 70.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Denmark's imports of fresh or chilled pork reached 49.3 thousand tonnes, a 3.5% increase from 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 57.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.4%. The largest decline was 0.6% in 2020, while the most substantial increase of 53.5% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Germany and Poland remained the key sources for Denmark's fresh or chilled pork imports by volume, jointly representing 81.9% of total import flows, with other partners accounting for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Denmark's imports of fresh or chilled pork declined in 2021, totaling approximately 130 million US dollars—a 7.7% decrease from 2020. However, over the 2018–2021 period, imports increased by 26.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%. The highest import value was recorded in 2020 at 141 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase of 29.1% took place in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands consistently dominated Denmark's fresh or chilled pork imports by value. Germany accounted for 68.9% of import value, Poland for 11.1%, and the Netherlands for 10.1%, collectively making up 90.1% of total import value.

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

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