Rendered lard and other pig fat market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for rendered lard and pig fat contracted significantly in 2019, falling to 19.3 million USD after a 31.2 million USD size in 2018. It partially recovered in 2020, reaching 27.8 million USD.

A sharp expansion followed from 2021 to 2022, with the market value jumping to 46.9 million USD and then 75.7 million USD. This growth period saw the strict application of EU food safety and labeling regulations, along with rigorous import and veterinary controls for animal by-products enforced by the FASFC, which supported market integrity and access.

After peaking in 2022, the market eased to 70.5 million USD in 2023, a year in which Belgium was noted as one of the fastest-growing importers of lard, reflecting sustained domestic demand, and consumer preferences shifted towards traditional animal fats for cooking and baking. In 2024, the market declined to 43.5 million USD, coinciding with a 22% rise in average import prices for lard and the introduction of new Belgian and EU product safety rules, including a ban on bisphenol A in packaging. Additionally, Flemish environmental policy measures targeting livestock farming likely affected pork production and the availability of pig fat.

Production rendered lard and pig fat in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Belgium's production of rendered lard and other pig fat rebounded. In 2019, output hit its lowest point at 32 043 K $ US, with the largest annual decline of 13.6%. By 2020, production had surged to 45 536 K $ US, marking a 42.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.2%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 2.4%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following a two-year drop, Belgium's production of rendered lard and other pig fat recovered. In 2019, output reached its minimum at 51 313 t, experiencing the steepest annual decline of 6.6%. In 2020, production rose to 60 723 t, up 18.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Exports rendered lard and pig fat from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in volume terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 42 444 t, a 9.8% increase from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 55%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands dominated Belgium's exports in volume, accounting for 75.5% of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's exports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms continued to rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 30 423 K $ US, up 26.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 54.2%, averaging an annualized increase of 15.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands was the predominant destination for Belgium's exports in value terms, absorbing 75.4% of total flows, with numerous smaller partners making up the rest.

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

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

Imports rendered lard and pig fat to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat in volume terms declined for the third straight year. In 2020, import volume stood at 15 988 t, down 7.3% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 40.3%, resulting in an average annual decline of 15.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, three key markets—Germany, the Netherlands, and France—collectively accounted for 78.3% of Belgium's total imports in volume of rendered lard and other pig fat.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decreases, Belgium's imports of rendered lard and other pig fat in value terms rebounded. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 11 292 K $ US, with the largest annual drop of 32.3%. By 2020, imports had risen to 12 664 K $ US, a 12.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 41.9%, averaging an annual decline of 16.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top sources for Belgium's imports in value terms of rendered lard and other pig fat were Germany (28.4% of total value), the Netherlands (26.8%), and France (23.6%), together representing 78.8% of all imports.

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

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