Frozen pork market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

The Finnish frozen pork market opened the period at 20 905 t in 2018, with production benefiting from efficient, specialized farm structures and consumer interest in leaner meat. This changed in 2019 when a salmonella outbreak at a large production unit and an exceptionally hot summer reduced domestic output, and falling consumption of processed pork products lowered demand, shrinking the market to 17 287 t. In 2020, African swine fever in China created a surge in EU pork exports, including from Finland, which diverted supply abroad and further tightened domestic availability, pushing market volume down to 14 735 t.

Market volume briefly recovered to 17 461 t in 2022, aided by higher imports, but underlying demand for pork was softening as households shifted spending toward cheaper poultry meat amid economic pressures. The number of specialized pig farms fell by over 10% per year, signaling ongoing structural consolidation in the sector.

From 2023 to 2024, the downward trend resumed, with market volume dropping to 12 526 t. Overall meat consumption continued to decline, and the reduction in pig farm numbers persisted. While production edged up 1% in 2024, it remained well below earlier peaks, and consumer preference for economical protein sources kept pork market volume on a diminishing path.

Production frozen pork in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Finland's frozen pork production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 120.3 million US dollars, marking a significant 30.2% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 44.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 73.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Finland's frozen pork production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 40 996 tonnes of frozen pork, representing a 22.5% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 21.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 27 589 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.1%.

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

Exports frozen pork from Finland

Exports in kind, t

Frozen pork exports from Finland have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 32 233 tonnes, reflecting a substantial 41.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 84.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 22.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 407 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 17.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 57.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, New Zealand, and South Korea were the largest buyers of frozen pork from Finland in volume terms. China accounted for 35.3% of exports, New Zealand for 20.7%, and South Korea for 19.8%, collectively representing 75.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Finland's frozen pork exports have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 95 701 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 41.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 97%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 40 540 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 16.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 66.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and New Zealand remained the primary markets for Finland's frozen pork exports in value terms. China held a 30.5% share, South Korea 24.3%, and New Zealand 24.0%, together accounting for 78.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports frozen pork to Finland

Imports in kind, t

Finland's frozen pork imports have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 5 973 tonnes, marking an 8.9% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 16.8%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 723 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 7.6%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland's frozen pork imports in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Germany, which accounted for 73.7% of total imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Finland's frozen pork imports have declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 470 thousand US dollars, representing a 22.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 20.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 21 188 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 1.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Austria were the main sources of frozen pork imports to Finland in value terms. Germany accounted for 68.9% of imports, Denmark for 10.2%, and Austria for 5.7%, collectively representing 84.9% of total import value.

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

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