Pork market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The pork market in MENA grew steadily from 34 103 t in 2018 to a peak of 40 926 t in 2021. This expansion was supported by increasing supply chain complexities across the region, which raised demand for frozen meat to preserve freshness over longer periods. Saudi Arabia's dominant role in the frozen meat market, driven by tourism growth and advanced processing infrastructure, further contributed to the market's rise. Consumer preference for fresh processed meat due to its high nutritional value also helped drive volumes upward through 2021.

Market volume subsequently contracted to 39 432 t in 2022 and 36 049 t in 2023. During these years, ongoing supply chain adjustments continued to influence frozen meat sales, while Jordan moved to diversify its import sources for fresh, chilled, and frozen meat from 21 different origins to strengthen market resilience. The opening of chilled veal imports from Egypt added to the variety of available meat products, though overall consumption declined.

Production pork in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Pork production in the MENA region has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 17 471 tons of pork, marking a gradual advance of 9.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 558 tons, while the largest decline occurred that same year, with a drop of 7.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, pork production in the MENA region has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 77 242 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 32.6% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 58 258 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 19.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports pork from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Foreign pork supplies from the MENA region have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 577 tons, indicating a robust rise of 22.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 257.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan (16.7% of exports in kind), Somalia (15.6% of exports in kind), and South Korea (6.3% of exports in kind) were significant buyers of pork from the MENA region. However, their combined share accounted for only 38.6% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 61.4% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. From the peak in 2020 to the trough in 2017, exports changed by 3.4-fold. In 2020, pork shipments from the MENA region to abroad stood at 2 552 thousand US dollars, constituting a dramatic gain of 48.1% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a surge of 172.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was diverse. Afghanistan (13.5% of exports in value terms), Somalia (9.4% of exports in value terms), and South Korea (8.2% of exports in value terms) together formed only 31.1% of total flows, with a substantial 68.9% supplied to or from many other countries.

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

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

Imports pork to MENA

Imports in kind, t

The MENA region imported a total of 21 493 tons of pork in 2020, indicating a solid uptick of 16.0% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 16.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Brazil (44.0% of imports in kind), Spain (14.1% of imports in kind), and Canada (8.5% of imports in kind) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind, jointly accounting for 66.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, pork shipments to the MENA region from abroad have increased. In 2020, imports totaled 69 011 thousand US dollars, constituting an increase of 23.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 55 809 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.4%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Brazil, Spain, and the Netherlands—together absorbed 62.8% of total imports in value terms of pork to the MENA region.

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

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