Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The Serbian pig fat market volume experienced a notable decline from 30 235 t in 2018 to 25 433 t in 2019, followed by a gradual recovery to 28 717 t by 2021. This initial drop coincided with growing consumer demand for healthier meat products with reduced fat and salt content, which influenced product development and likely tempered demand for traditional pig fat. Concurrently, shifts in pig feeding practices towards grain-based diets altered production economics. In 2019, enhanced focus on animal health and welfare research led to stricter quality standards at slaughterhouses, influencing production methods and industry practices.

Market volume then surged to 33 710 t in 2022, supported by persistent traditional consumption patterns for salted and dried pork products that sustained domestic demand. However, by 2023, volume contracted to 31 416 t as consumer preferences continued shifting towards healthier, low-fat options and cold chain logistics challenges affected distribution. Throughout this period, scientific research on fatty acid profiles and meat quality, along with investments in production technologies and tighter environmental regulations for slaughterhouse wastewater treatment, shaped ongoing industry practices and innovation.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Serbia ranked as the 30th largest producer of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

In 2020, Serbia produced 21 861 tonnes of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, showing a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.8%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 21 721 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 22 531 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 3.6%.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 35-fold difference between these years. In 2020, shipments of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Serbia totaled 34 tonnes, marking a dramatic decline of 86.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 26.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Serbia's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat were Russia (44.5% of exports in kind), Belarus (18.5%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (16.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 79.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Serbia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 48 000 US dollars, representing a sharp decrease of 89.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 97.8%, with an average annual decline of 71.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia (35.1% of exports in value terms), Montenegro (18.5%), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (18.4%) were the leading destinations for Serbia's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in monetary terms. Collectively, they accounted for 71.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Import volumes varied significantly, with a two-fold difference from the high in 2018 to the low in 2019. In 2020, Serbia imported 5 227 tonnes of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, which was 32.0% more than in 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 960 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 7 900 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 49.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 45.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Serbia's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat were Germany (57.4% of imports in kind), Spain (14.0%), and Hungary (12.8%). Together, these three countries made up 84.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat imports into Serbia reached 5 273 000 US dollars, representing a 24.0% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 17.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 254 000 US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 6 002 000 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 29.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 33.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (58.9% of imports in value terms), Spain (12.0%), and Hungary (11.9%) were the principal sources for Serbia's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in monetary terms. Together, they accounted for 82.8% of total import value.

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

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