Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

Production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Lithuania declined steadily from 4 466 t in 2018 to 1 209 t in 2024. This drop was largely driven by long-term genetic selection of Lithuanian white pigs to increase lean meat yield and reduce fat content in response to global demand for leaner pork. Changing consumer preferences towards leaner and higher-quality meat products further encouraged producers to adopt fat-reduction technologies, which curtailed the output of pig fat.

Market size, however, showed more volatile movements, peaking at 6 804 t in 2023 before falling to 4 092 t in 2024. Trade flows were influenced by global events such as the African swine fever outbreak in China in 2019, which sharply raised EU pork exports and affected prices. Growing competition from imported pork, particularly from Poland and Germany, pushed imports above 10 000 t in 2021‑2022. By 2024, oversupply in the EU market and export restrictions to China contributed to lower pork procurement prices, reducing both imports and exports of pig fat.

Alongside these factors, a new trend emerged with the development of plant‑based meat analogues, including pea‑derived products with pork‑like taste. Although traditional pork remained preferred among Lithuanian consumers, the rising interest in alternative products signaled a potential long‑term shift in demand patterns. Local producers continued to focus on quality and collaboration with retail chains to maintain market share amid these changes.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lithuania's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 3,286 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 31.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2018-2021

Lithuania's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 2,817 tonnes, a 1.8% drop from the year before. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, production declined by 36.9%, averaging an annual reduction of 14.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

Lithuania's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat have grown for the third year running. In 2021, the country exported 7,702 tonnes, a 31.4% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 94%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Georgia, and Latvia were the key partners for Lithuania's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in volume terms. Poland accounted for 44.6% of exports, Georgia for 20.3%, and Latvia for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 76.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 11,393 thousand US dollars, up 44.8% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value rose by 227.9%, averaging an annual growth of 48.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Poland, Georgia, and Latvia were the main destinations for Lithuania's exports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in value terms. Poland made up 37.6% of exports, Georgia 26.1%, and Latvia 10.8%. Collectively, they accounted for 74.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

Lithuania's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat have risen for the third year in a row. In 2021, import volume stood at 10,437 tonnes, a 5.4% increase over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 54.1%, with an average annual rate of 15.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Poland, and Germany were the primary sources for Lithuania's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in volume terms. Spain contributed 36.0% of imports, Poland 23.1%, and Germany 22.0%. Together, these three countries absorbed 81.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Lithuania's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 14,426 thousand US dollars, a strong 20.9% rise compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value climbed by 156.9%, averaging an annual growth of 37.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Germany, and Poland were the leading sources for Lithuania's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in value terms. Spain accounted for 45.0% of imports, Germany for 21.8%, and Poland for 16.4%. Together, they represented 83.2% of total import flows.

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

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