Frozen pork market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Italian frozen pork market volume declined from 192 thousand tons to 95.5 thousand tons. This contraction was driven by the exit of nearly 5 000 pig farms, which reduced domestic production, and the signing of a protocol in 2019 that reopened frozen pork exports to China after 15 years of negotiations, boosting overseas shipments. Uncertainty surrounding African swine fever and rising production costs further pressured the sector.

In 2022, the market recovered to 126 thousand tons, primarily due to a sharp drop in exports. Outbreaks of African swine fever led to the closure of key export destinations like Japan, Serbia, and Taiwan, restricting trade flows and keeping more product within Italy. The energy crisis and pandemic-related disruptions compounded the export challenges, while record-high EU pork prices reflected tightened supply and elevated costs.

In the following years, the Italian pig sector faced a trade deficit exceeding €1 billion as imports grew faster than exports. European pork production began recovering after a two-year slump caused by reduced Chinese demand, but high feed, energy, and logistics costs continued to influence prices. Domestic pork consumption showed a long-term downward trend, with consumers shifting preference toward white meat.

Production frozen pork in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during the period. Production peaked in 2018 and reached its lowest point in 2017, with a 3.2-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Italy's frozen pork output was valued at 311.1 million US dollars, marking a 38.3% increase compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 459.9 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 51.1%, while the largest increase was observed in 2018, surging by 221.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the observed period. Production varied from its peak in 2018 to its trough in 2017 by a factor of 2.8. In 2020, Italy produced 112.5 thousand tonnes of frozen pork, indicating a substantial year-on-year decline of 15.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 175.5 thousand tonnes. The most pronounced decrease took place in 2019, falling by 24.6%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 179.7%.

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

Exports frozen pork from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's frozen pork exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 61 901 tonnes, reflecting a modest gain of 2.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 51 389 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 21.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 17.2%.

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

The structure of Italy's frozen pork exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Japan accounted for 17.5% of exports in kind, Hong Kong for 11.3%, and China for 6.8%, together representing 35.6% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position in the export market.

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

Italy's frozen pork export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 146.2 million US dollars, corresponding to a 14.7% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 116.3 million US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, falling by 23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and Hong Kong were the primary markets for Italy's frozen pork exports in value terms. Japan accounted for 36.2% of export value, China for 10.1%, and Hong Kong for 8.2%, together comprising 54.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports frozen pork to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year advance, Italy's frozen pork imports declined. In 2020, imports stood at 56 929 tonnes, representing a significant decrease of 18.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 69 951 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and France formed the main group of sources for Italy's frozen pork imports in kind. Spain accounted for 45.8% of imports in kind, Germany for 27.9%, and France for 5.5%, together representing 79.2% of total flows.

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

After a two-year advance, Italy's frozen pork import value declined. In 2020, Italy imported 164.2 million US dollars worth of frozen pork, amounting to a controlled year-on-year decline of 7.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 177.9 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands accounted for the largest share of Italy's frozen pork imports in value terms. Spain represented 44.7% of import value, Germany 29.3%, and the Netherlands 5.7%, together comprising 79.8% of total flows.

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

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