Fresh or chilled pork market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish fresh pork market began the period with relative stability, as volume hovered around 3.5 million tons between 2018 and 2019. A key regulatory change arrived in 2020 with the mandatory labeling of origin for fresh pork, which likely bolstered consumer transparency and contributed to the market's growth to 3.7 million tons that year. This expansion accelerated sharply in 2021, pushing the market volume to 4.5 million tons.

Post-pandemic dynamics became a major driver in 2022, as the rebound in tourism significantly boosted foodservice demand, helping the market surpass 5 million tons despite rising domestic prices from inflationary pressures linked to the Ukraine conflict. By 2023, the market volume saw a slight adjustment to 4.8 million tons, even as reported demand for fresh meat grew; this period was characterized by rising export values, indicating a shift toward higher-value products.

Growth resumed in 2024, with the market reaching 5.1 million tons, supported by a broader 2.4% increase in total meat consumption where pork was a leading category. The sector also adapted to new post-Brexit labeling rules for exports to the United Kingdom, while institutional engagement continued to address ongoing trade challenges.

Production fresh or chilled pork in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's fresh or chilled pork production declined in value terms. In 2020, output was valued at 6 830 million US dollars, representing a slight reduction of 1.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 6 911 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 4 388 thousand tons of fresh or chilled pork, showing a modest increase of 5.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 11.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 7.0%, while 2019 saw a slight decline of 0.6%.

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

Exports fresh or chilled pork from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Spain exported 706.7 thousand tons of fresh or chilled pork in 2020, constituting a reduction of 6.7% relative to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.6%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, three main markets — France, Italy, and Portugal — together absorbed 50.3% of Spain's total fresh or chilled pork exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's cross-border shipments of fresh or chilled pork amounted to 2 110 million US dollars, representing a modest decrease of 6.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 949 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 2 265 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (25.7% of exports in value terms), Italy (13.4%), and Portugal (11.9%) consistently held leading positions in Spain's export structure, jointly accounting for 51.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports fresh or chilled pork to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of fresh or chilled pork declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 59.4 thousand tons, marking a decline of 4.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.8%, with an average annual decline of 10.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets — France, the Netherlands, and Germany — remained central to Spain's imports in volume terms, together accounting for 59.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's imports of fresh or chilled pork declined in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 129 million US dollars, amounting to a small reduction of 0.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 27.4%, with an average annual decline of 10.1%.

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

In 2017–2020, three principal markets — the Netherlands, France, and Germany — together accounted for 62.2% of Spain's total imports in value terms of fresh or chilled pork.

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

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