Fresh or chilled pork market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Hungary's fresh pork market contracted from 357 thousand tons in 2018 to 303 thousand tons in 2020, despite a temporary production increase in 2019. In 2018, the sector had boosted exports by 25–30 thousand tons over the decade, but the loss of key Asian export markets like Japan, China, and Taiwan due to African swine fever (ASP) trade distortions prevented further growth. By 2019, the National Agricultural Chamber initiated an extraordinary discussion on the sausage market, a key pork processing segment, leading to new product trends such as peeled packaged sausages and flavored variants, while live pig prices rose significantly without a corresponding increase in retail meat prices.

From 2021 to 2023, pork exports remained between 104 and 116 thousand tons, with imports fluctuating. The persistent trade-distorting effects of ASP continued to block the revival of exports to major markets in 2022, as global buyers pursued self-sufficiency and pork popularity declined. Competition from poultry, with its faster production cycle and lower environmental footprint, intensified pressure on the pork sector. In 2023, the number of pigs slaughtered at domestic abattoirs rose by 6.5%, led by a 9.2% increase in sows, signaling potential future supply expansion even as producer prices for live pigs fell for over half a year.

In early 2024, pork prices decreased amid broader meat price declines, with inflation, a weak forint, and supply chain issues worsening market conditions. Discount retailers increased their market weight, shifting assortment policies to include more manufacturer-branded products alongside private-label grill items. By the end of 2025, the pig herd grew by 2.4% to 2.87 million head, and live pig exports surged by 18.4% in January 2026 year-on-year. However, the value of exported pork fell by 25.6%, reflecting lower international prices or trade mix changes, while domestic pork sales rose by 9.8%, partially offsetting declining consumption.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2020, Hungary's fresh or chilled pork production was valued at 824.7 million US dollars, marking a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production grew by 8.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 889.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.9%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary produced 314.9 thousand metric tons of fresh or chilled pork in 2020, representing a 7.0% decline compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, overall production fell by 3.3%, translating to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 338.5 thousand metric tons, with that year also experiencing the largest annual growth of 3.9%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Hungary exported 106.1 thousand metric tons of fresh or chilled pork, a modest increase of 1.2% over 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 32.3%, averaging 9.8% growth per year. The peak volume was reached in 2019 at 107.0 thousand metric tons, which also saw the largest annual jump of 33.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 2.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania was the top destination for Hungary's fresh or chilled pork exports by volume, accounting for 38.5% of the total. Italy followed with 15.7%, and Croatia with 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 66.7% of Hungary's export flows in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's fresh or chilled pork exports declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, export value stood at 257.2 million US dollars, down 4.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports increased by 33.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 285.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 48.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a 6.1% drop.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Italy, and Croatia remained Hungary's key export partners by value. Romania accounted for 35.1% of export value, Italy for 15.1%, and Croatia for 13.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 63.2% of Hungary's total export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Hungary imported approximately 99.4 thousand metric tons of fresh or chilled pork in 2021, up 7.3% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 10.4%, averaging a 3.6% annual decline. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 92.7 thousand metric tons, which also saw the largest annual drop of 21.5%. The peak occurred in 2019 at 118.1 thousand metric tons.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany was the leading supplier of fresh or chilled pork to Hungary by volume, accounting for 26.2% of imports. Spain followed with 14.9%, and Poland with 13.3%. Together, these three countries supplied 54.4% of Hungary's total import volume in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's fresh or chilled pork imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value was approximately 225.9 million US dollars, down 6.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 8.7%, with an average annual decrease of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 295.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with an 18.4% drop.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, Spain, and Poland accounted for the largest share of Hungary's fresh or chilled pork imports by value. Germany represented 26.2% of import value, Spain 17.5%, and Poland 13.8%. Combined, these three countries comprised 57.5% of Hungary's total import flows in value terms.

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

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