Pork market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, India's pork production and market volume increased, supported by broad economic factors such as rising incomes and urbanization which fueled overall meat demand. The expansion of retail stores, supermarkets, and cold chain infrastructure during this period also made frozen and chilled meat products more accessible to consumers, supporting market growth.

A significant contraction occurred in 2020 and 2021, with production falling notably. This downturn coincided with the global COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and dampened consumer demand. During this period, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also notified comprehensive standards for processed meat products, including fresh, chilled, and frozen meats, which may have required industry adaptation. Concurrently, a sharp rise in pork exports in 2021 diverted some domestic supply.

The market began to recover from 2022 onward. This rebound was facilitated by the emergence of new business models like micro abattoirs and direct-to-consumer (D2C) fresh meat companies, which improved supply chain efficiency. Continued investments in advanced cold chain solutions were essential for preserving product quality and extending shelf life, helping to meet the sustained demand driven by ongoing urbanization and disposable income growth.

Production pork in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India ranked as the world's 29th largest producer of pork.

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, pork production in India experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 379.8 thousand tonnes of pork, marking a moderate decrease of 8.3% compared to the previous year. The peak production level was reached in 2019 at 414.1 thousand tonnes, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of pork output in India stood at 941.2 million US dollars, reflecting a measured decline of 4.0% from the year before. The lowest value during this period was recorded in 2018 at 918.9 million US dollars, whereas the highest was in 2019 at 980.4 million US dollars. The largest year-on-year increase took place in 2019, reaching 6.7%.

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

Exports pork from India

Exports in kind, t

India's pork export volume declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 541.7 tonnes, down by 25.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports overall increased by 3.1%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 775.7 tonnes, with the most substantial annual growth occurring that same year at 47.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bhutan remained the primary destination for India's pork exports in volume terms, accounting for 86.4% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

India's pork export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 1 342 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid drop of 21.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 4.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 762 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2018 at 37.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Bhutan dominated India's pork exports in value terms, capturing 84.9% of total flows. Other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports pork to India

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, India's pork import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 334.8 tonnes, reflecting a reduction of 53.3% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 28.7%, corresponding to a compound annual decline rate of 10.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 716.3 tonnes, with the most significant annual increase occurring that year at 48.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and Spain served as the core sources for India's pork imports in volume terms, jointly representing 85.8% of total flows. Other origins held comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, India's pork import value was recorded at 1 388 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic decline of 54.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 39.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 15.3%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 3 070 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase also in 2019 at 39.7%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Belgium (52.2% of import value), Spain (27.0%), and Italy (14.4%) formed the main cluster of sources for India's pork imports in value terms. Together, these three countries accounted for 93.6% of total import flows.

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

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