Fresh or chilled pork market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Estonian fresh pork market contracted from 12 672 t to 10 863 t. This decline was driven by a persistent shortage of local raw materials, which forced large meat processors to rely on imported pork, yet import volumes themselves fell, constraining total supply. Concurrently, the European Union's policy to reduce antibiotic use in livestock placed additional regulatory pressure on producers, potentially limiting output.

Market volume recovered from 2022 onward, reaching 12 924 t by 2024. Growth was supported by increased pork imports to compensate for the domestic production shortfall, with self-sufficiency remaining around 78%. Major retail chains, including Lidl and Rewe, actively promoted sales of domestically produced fresh pork, stimulating consumer demand and helping to expand the market.

Throughout the period, shifting consumer preferences toward greater attention to the origin and quality of meat influenced the marketing strategies of producers and retailers. Ongoing monitoring of antibiotic resistance by the Agricultural and Food Board maintained an industry focus on safer production practices.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's fresh or chilled pork production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output was valued at 25 232 thousand US dollars, marking an 8.8% decrease compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 5.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 28 577 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 7.1% also recorded that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Fresh or chilled pork production in Estonia dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Estonia produced 10 409 tonnes, down 4.8% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 2.9%, averaging a 0.9% compound annual growth rate. The highest output was in 2019 at 11 355 tonnes, when the largest increase of 12.2% was observed.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Estonia's fresh or chilled pork exports fell in 2021. Exports totaled 7 320 tonnes, a significant 16.0% drop year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 14.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The peak was in 2020 at 8 717 tonnes, while the largest increase of 27.9% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia and Lithuania together represented 91.5% of Estonia's total fresh or chilled pork exports by volume. Other countries contributed to a more diversified but smaller portion of exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After increasing for two years, Estonia's fresh or chilled pork exports declined in value. In 2021, exports amounted to 17 594 thousand US dollars, down 22.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 19.9%, averaging a 6.2% annual growth rate. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 22 603 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 43.2% in 2019.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia and Lithuania consistently accounted for 89.0% of Estonia's total fresh or chilled pork export value. This high concentration was complemented by a range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia imported 7 774 tonnes of fresh or chilled pork, a 12.5% decrease from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports declined by 12.9%, averaging a 4.5% annual drop. The largest increase of 5.1% was recorded in 2020.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany, Poland, and Denmark were the top sources, together making up 65.0% of Estonia's fresh or chilled pork imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Estonia's imports of fresh or chilled pork in value terms declined. In 2021, imports stood at 21 486 thousand US dollars, a sharp 12.1% fall year-on-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 8.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.8%. The peak was in 2020 at 24 451 thousand US dollars, when the largest increase of 2.4% occurred.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany (27.9% of import value), Poland (27.8%), and Denmark (13.1%) were the main sources for Estonia's fresh or chilled pork imports, collectively accounting for 68.8% of total import value.

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

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