Prepared or preserved pork and offal market in South America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The South American market for prepared or preserved pork and offal began the period with strong production foundations in Brazil and Argentina, supported by abundant natural resources and optimal sanitary conditions. Market volume dipped in 2019 but recovered in 2020, a year where the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Brazilian pork exports as Asian buyers anticipated purchases and U.S. slaughtering halted, supporting regional production.

From 2021, the market entered a phase of rapid expansion. This was primarily driven by consecutive record swine slaughter volumes in Argentina, where pork steadily gained share in the national diet. In parallel, consumption in Brazil rose significantly as pork became a more affordable protein choice compared to beef, a shift amplified by inflationary pressure on household budgets and sustained promotional campaigns by industry associations. The market structure in Uruguay also evolved during this time, with the leading processor La Constancia reducing its slaughter share after being sold to new Spanish and Uruguayan owners, while other local firms increased their presence.

Growth continued through 2023, underpinned by stable production costs and sanitary progress in Brazil, alongside sustained high output in Argentina. Competitive pork imports, mainly from Brazil to neighboring countries, remained a key feature of the regional supply, reflecting ongoing price sensitivity and changing consumption patterns.

Production prepared or preserved pork and offal in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

South America's production of prepared or preserved pork and offal has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 30 367 tonnes, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of prepared or preserved pork and offal output in South America reached 76 275 thousand US dollars, showing a modest year-on-year increase of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 73 301 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.3%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved pork and offal from South America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's exports of prepared or preserved pork and offal declined in volume. In 2020, exports totaled 15 840 tonnes, down 4.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 8.3%, with an average annual rate of 2.7%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 16 546 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Hong Kong, Japan, and Angola—accounted for 84.5% of South America's total exports of prepared or preserved pork and offal in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, South America's exports of prepared or preserved pork and offal in value terms amounted to 39 786 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 4.4% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 41 617 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hong Kong and Japan were the dominant destinations for South America's exports in value terms, together capturing 80.4% of total flows, with the remainder going to other markets.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved pork and offal to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America's imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 3 662 tonnes, a 19.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.7%, with an average annual decline of 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (28.9% of imports in volume), Spain (25.5%), and Denmark (2.4%) remained the primary suppliers of prepared or preserved pork and offal to South America, collectively making up 56.9% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

South America's imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 24 257 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 17.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 28.3%, equating to an average annual rate of decline of 10.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States (39.2% of imports in value), Spain (34.4%), and Italy (2.5%) continued to be the main sources for South America's imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal in value terms, together accounting for 76.1% of total flows.

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

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