Lard and poultry fats market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for lard and poultry fats in Germany showed fluctuations, initially declining before a temporary recovery. This period was characterized by a structural shift in pig farming, with a continuing reduction in the number of farms, which contributed to a decline in domestic pig slaughter numbers and pork production. The outbreak of African swine fever in Germany in 2020 introduced market disruptions, leading to EU measures such as the private storage aid for pork, which affected trade flows and contributed to a temporary increase in domestic market volume as exports fell.

The market entered a phase of sustained and sharp contraction from 2021 onwards. African swine fever led to regional movement restrictions and trade regulations under the EU's regionalization concept, severely impacting pig herds and slaughter volumes. Concurrently, a pronounced shift in consumer preferences away from pork and towards poultry meat reduced demand for pig fat, a key component of the market. These combined pressures resulted in a steep decline in production, driving the total market volume down by over 25% between 2021 and 2023.

Production lard and poultry fats in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany held the second position globally in the production of lard and poultry fats.

Top producers of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of lard and poultry fats, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, lard and poultry fats production in Germany experienced a decline. In 2020, Germany produced 553.4 K t of lard and poultry fats, marking a 4.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 576.7 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, lard and poultry fats production in Germany saw an increase. In 2020, the output was valued at 454.1 M $ US, reflecting a strong gain of 21.3% over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 374.5 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 7.0%.

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

Exports lard and poultry fats from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, lard and poultry fats exports from Germany declined. In 2020, export volume reached 129.4 K t, representing a significant drop of 18.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 157.9 K t, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019 at 8.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (61.7% of exports in kind), Italy (8.5% of exports in kind), and France (7.1% of exports in kind) consistently led the country structure of exports in kind, jointly accounting for 77.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's lard and poultry fats exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 106.2 M $ US, reflecting a limited gain of 3.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 100.6 M $ US, with the largest decline also occurring in 2018 at 5.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (59.2% of exports in value terms), Italy (8.7% of exports in value terms), and France (8.2% of exports in value terms) formed the key group of partners for Germany's lard and poultry fats exports in value terms, jointly representing 76.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports lard and poultry fats to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, imported lard and poultry fats volumes in Germany increased. In 2020, imports reached 36.5 K t, corresponding to an advance of 15.7% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 31.6 K t, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 33.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (33.2% of imports in kind), Denmark (19.6% of imports in kind), and Austria (18.2% of imports in kind) were the main suppliers of lard and poultry fats to Germany, together comprising 70.9% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, cross-border shipments of lard and poultry fats to Germany increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 22.4 M $ US, equivalent to an advance of 20.9% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 18.5 M $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (26.3% of imports in value terms), Austria (21.2% of imports in value terms), and Denmark (18.7% of imports in value terms) formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's imports in value terms, with a combined share of 66.2% of total flows.

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

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