Frozen pork market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, frozen pork production in Russia increased consistently, supported by investments from large players like Miratorg and a policy shift toward import substitution through counter-sanctions and planned import duties. This drove market volume up to 376 thousand tons in 2019. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, and a surge in exports led to a temporary drop in domestic market volume to 283 thousand tons, even as production continued to grow.

The market recovered from 2021 onward, with volume reaching 446 thousand tons by 2023. Production expansion continued, fueled by further import restrictions and rising consumer preference for affordable pork. Government support measures, including increased payments to low-income families and the military, bolstered consumption. Additionally, the industry began preparing for mandatory product labeling, with an experimental phase launching in 2023 to enhance market transparency.

In 2024, market volume grew to 502 thousand tons, driven by a 5% increase in pork production and greater per capita consumption. The implementation of mandatory labeling for meat products from August 2025 onward aimed to legalize the market and boost exports, with producers targeting 400 thousand tons of pork exports. Production reached 761 thousand tons in 2025, highlighting the sector's sustained growth trajectory.

Production frozen pork in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's frozen pork production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 420.5 thousand tons of frozen pork, representing a 17.3% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 65.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports frozen pork from Russia

Exports in kind, t

Russia's frozen pork exports have expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volumes reached 78 915 tons, up 5.8% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports skyrocketed by 821.3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 109.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Vietnam, Belarus, and Ukraine were the primary destinations for Russia's frozen pork exports, accounting for 75.3% of total export volumes. Vietnam led with 55.9%, followed by Belarus at 10.0% and Ukraine at 9.4%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's frozen pork exports in value terms have risen for the third straight year. In 2021, exports totaled 196.1 million US dollars, a robust 15.9% increase over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export value soared by 2 034.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 177.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Vietnam, Belarus, and Venezuela were the top buyers of Russian frozen pork by value, together making up 77.3% of total exports. Vietnam accounted for 60.3%, Belarus for 10.8%, and Venezuela for 6.2%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports frozen pork to Russia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Imports peaked in 2019 before dropping sharply in 2020, with a 19-fold difference between the two years. In 2021, frozen pork imports into Russia amounted to 6 509 tons, a 56.7% increase from 2020. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 154 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 78 506 tons. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, falling by 94.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina dominated Russia's frozen pork imports by volume, collectively representing 87.6% of total imports. Brazil led with 38.7%, followed by Chile at 33.9% and Argentina at 15.1%.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The market experienced an unstable trend over these years. Imports plummeted from a peak in 2019 to a trough in 2020, a 29-fold decrease. In 2021, frozen pork imports into Russia reached 17.6 million US dollars, a sharp 115.5% rise from the previous year. The minimum value was 8.2 million US dollars in 2020, while the maximum was 240.0 million US dollars in 2019. The largest drop was in 2020, with a 96.6% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018–2021, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina were the key sources for Russia's frozen pork imports by value, together accounting for 88.7% of the total.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021