Fresh or chilled pork market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Slovak fresh pork market experienced shifts in both volume and value. In 2018, state social measures and rising energy prices increased input costs for meat processors, leading to higher pork prices. This contributed to a rise in market value to 402.9 million US dollars, even as physical volume reached 162.7 thousand tons. The following year, market volume dipped to 157.8 thousand tons, but value continued climbing to 428.9 million US dollars, reflecting sustained cost pressures. By 2020, volume recovered to 164.1 thousand tons, while value grew further to 457.4 million US dollars.

Between 2021 and 2023, external shocks heavily influenced the market. In 2021, energy price hikes linked to the Ukraine conflict pushed up production costs, driving market value to 469.5 million US dollars on a volume of 184.3 thousand tons. The next year, volume expanded to 193.5 thousand tons and value to 510.9 million US dollars, alongside a noted decline in pork imports indicating altered trade flows. The outbreak of African swine fever in the EU and Asia in 2023, coupled with feed shortages and higher feed costs across Europe, reduced production and pushed prices upward. This resulted in a slight volume drop to 190.6 thousand tons but a sharp value surge to 625.6 million US dollars.

In 2024, regulatory changes and retail developments marked the market. New rules allowing storage of soft meat products at +7°C and mandatory origin labeling for meat in prepared foods and restaurants were introduced. Lidl expanded its fresh pork range with ten new products from domestic suppliers, increasing availability. However, continued high energy costs from the war in Ukraine kept producer expenses elevated. Market volume fell to 182.7 thousand tons, while value stabilized at 623.7 million US dollars, partially influenced by a VAT rate reduction to 5% that lowered prices for pork loin.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Slovakia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 169.1 million US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 20.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, fresh or chilled pork production in Slovakia declined. In 2020, Slovakia produced 66 118 tonnes, down by 3.9% from the previous year. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 68 772 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 4.9% also occurring that year.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Slovakia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of gains, Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork exports declined. In 2020, export volume stood at 19.4 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 16.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 51.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 23.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase of 64.9% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary (69.2% of export volume), Czechia (9.5%), and the Netherlands (8.3%) together accounted for 87.1% of Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork exports, maintaining their position as the primary destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork export value declined. In 2020, exports totaled 38.3 million US dollars, showing a significant decrease of 21.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 44.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 48.9 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase of 42.2% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary (69.0% of export value), Czechia (9.6%), and the Netherlands (8.3%) remained the principal buyers of Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork, jointly accounting for 86.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Slovakia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork imports amounted to 117.4 thousand tonnes, showing a gain of 4.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.3 thousand tonnes. The largest annual decline of 5.0% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 5.3% was recorded in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (21.0% of import volume), Czechia (16.5%), and Poland (15.8%) formed the main group of sources for Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork imports, with a combined share of 53.3% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 326.6 million US dollars, reflecting a modest uptick of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 284.6 million US dollars. The largest annual decline of 1.2% occurred in 2018, while the largest increase of 8.6% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (22.8% of import value), Czechia (16.4%), and Poland (15.4%) together accounted for 54.6% of Slovakia's fresh or chilled pork import value, remaining the primary sources for these imports.

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

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