Pork market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French pork market volume in thousand tonnes experienced significant fluctuations from 2018 to 2023. It declined from 1 884 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 735 thousand tonnes in 2019, then rose to 1 983 thousand tonnes in 2020. The market stabilized in 2021 at 1 988 thousand tonnes, before entering a downward trend to 1 976 thousand tonnes in 2022 and 1 905 thousand tonnes in 2023.

The slight market volume increase of 0.3% in 2021 was supported by relative price stability for pork compared to poultry, which made it more attractive to consumers. However, in 2022, retail prices for fresh pork increased by 11.9%, leading to a reduction in consumption volume and a 0.6% market contraction. This trend intensified in 2023 with a 3.6% market drop as continued price growth reduced household purchases for home consumption, despite some offset from growth in out-of-home dining.

Regulatory changes included the mandatory origin labeling for pork served in commercial and collective catering, effective from March 1, 2022, enhancing consumer transparency. Additionally, large French slaughterhouses consolidated production and made reasoned investments following the recent industry crisis, contributing to supply-side stabilization.

Production pork in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the 11th position globally in pork production.

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Pork production in France rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 201 K t of pork, marking a 13.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 14.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of pork output in France reached 5 780 M $ US, showing a sharp rise of 26.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 37.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, at 4.9%.

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

Exports pork from France

Exports in kind, K t

France exported 475.3 K t of pork in 2020, a slight decrease of 0.8% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 12.3%, with a CAGR of 4.0%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 357.2 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 479.2 K t. The largest decline happened in 2018 at 15.6%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 34.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy (22.6% of exports in kind), China (17.9%), and the United Kingdom (5.5%) were the top buyers of French pork, though not dominant, collectively making up 46.0% of total exports in kind amid a diverse array of smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

France's pork export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 248 M $ US, up 10.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value rose by 34%, with a CAGR of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 891 M $ US. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 4.3%, while the largest gain was in 2019 at 26.6%.

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

The country composition of pork exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was spread out, with Italy (20.8% of exports in value), China (19.6%), and Japan (6.4%) together accounting for just 46.7% of total flows, while the remaining 53.3% was distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Imports pork to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's pork import volume fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 257.0 K t, reflecting a modest 5.3% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 11.6%, with a CAGR of 4.0%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 312.3 K t. The largest drop was in 2019 at 13.1%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 7.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain was the dominant source for pork imports in kind, holding a 70.3% share of total flows, with other markets contributing relatively small portions.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, France's pork import value rebounded. In 2020, imports amounted to 901 M $ US, increasing by 5.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 2.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 856 M $ US. The most significant decrease was in 2018 at 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the leading supplier of pork to France in value terms, accounting for 70.5% of total imports, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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