Fresh or chilled pork market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Italian fresh pork market was shaped by structural consolidation as thousands of pig farms exited, increasing sector concentration. Rising imports of boneless fresh pork in 2019 supported market volume, but in 2020, African swine fever outbreaks in Germany led to slaughterhouse closures and reduced slaughter activity, contributing to a market size decline to 7 113 million US dollars.

A recovery followed in 2021 as international dynamics lowered live pig prices, stimulating activity. However, ongoing international market difficulties and a contraction in foreign demand reduced the market size in 2022. By 2023, despite a 7.5% drop in domestic fresh pork consumption early in the year, the market grew to 8 217 million US dollars as lower domestic supply pushed imports of live pigs and fresh meat higher, offsetting weaker local demand.

In 2024, consumer preferences continued shifting toward white meats, reducing per capita pork consumption. However, technological innovations in refrigerated packaging and distribution improved supply chain efficiency, while efforts to consolidate domestic sales and boost exports of quality Italian pork helped maintain the market volume at 8 287 million US dollars.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's fresh or chilled pork production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 287 million US dollars, marking an 8.6% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Production peaked in 2019 and dropped to its lowest point in 2018, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy produced 2 230 thousand tonnes of fresh or chilled pork, representing a sharp 62.0% decline compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 092 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 875 thousand tonnes. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 180.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Italy's fresh or chilled pork exports rebounded in 2020. The country exported 29.3 thousand tonnes, showing a strong 23.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 3.9%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 1.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 23.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's fresh or chilled pork exports were distributed across a diverse range of partners. Germany accounted for 14.7% of exports by volume, France for 10.8%, and Slovenia for 9.1%. Together, these three countries represented just 34.5% of total exports, while the remaining 65.5% was spread among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Italy's fresh or chilled pork exports by value increased in 2020. The country exported 87 million US dollars worth of pork, up 15.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 5.2%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 75 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Slovenia played significant but not dominant roles as buyers of Italian fresh or chilled pork by value. Germany accounted for 13.8% of export value, France for 10.1%, and Slovenia for 8.7%. Combined, these three markets represented 32.5% of total export value, indicating a broad distribution across other partners.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of fresh or chilled pork by volume fell for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 819.7 thousand tonnes, down 7.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 936.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase that year at 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain were the key sources for Italy's fresh or chilled pork imports by volume. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's imports of fresh or chilled pork by value amounted to 1 913 million US dollars, declining by 11.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 6%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 2.0%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 2 161 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain formed the core group of suppliers for Italy's fresh or chilled pork imports by value. Germany accounted for 35.3% of import value, the Netherlands for 15.8%, and Spain for 14.6%. Together, these three markets represented 65.7% of total import value.

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

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