Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Portuguese market for salted and smoked pork bellies reached 11 910 tons, valued at 64.7 million US dollars, supported by the continued influence of national associations of Alentejo pig breeders promoting traditional products like Presunto de Barrancos DOP. Market volume and value then declined over the next two years, falling to 7 719 tons (47.3 million dollars) in 2020 before stabilizing near that level in 2021.

A strong recovery followed, with market volume jumping to 12 042 tons (73.2 million dollars) in 2023. This rebound was facilitated by the entry of new players such as the Seu Sabor factory specializing in frozen salted snacks and by the wider availability of premium pork cuts in major supermarket chains. In 2024, volume eased to 11 505 tons, but value rose to 77 million US dollars, indicating a shift toward higher-value products.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two years of contraction, Portugal's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts has rebounded. In 2021, output reached 40 218 thousand US dollars, marking a modest increase of 3.2% compared to 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production declined by 32.5%, with an average annual decrease of 12.3%. The lowest point was in 2020, at 38 986 thousand US dollars, which also saw the steepest drop of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

After two years of decline, Portugal's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts has turned upward. In 2021, the country produced 6 408 tonnes, a slight rise of 1.4% from 2020. Yet, from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 41.5%, averaging an annual decline of 16.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 323 tonnes, with the largest decrease of 34.2% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts have recovered after two years of decline. In 2021, exports totaled 427 tonnes, up 9.4% year-over-year. However, between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 22.4%, translating to an average annual drop of 8.1%. The lowest volume was in 2020 at 391 tonnes, which also experienced the biggest decline of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for Portugal's exports in volume terms were Spain, Angola, and France. Together, they accounted for 69.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Portugal's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts have increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 2 664 thousand US dollars, rising 11.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 18.5%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 394 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 at 20.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Angola, and France remained the top buyers of Portugal's salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts in value terms. Spain accounted for 31.4% of exports, Angola for 27.7%, and France for 9.3%, collectively making up 68.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork bellies and cuts to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 1 639 tonnes, down 8.3% from 2020. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 8.1%, averaging an annual growth of 2.6%. The peak volume was in 2019 at 1 796 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and France were the primary sources for Portugal's imports in volume terms, together representing 81.0% of total flows, with other partners playing much smaller individual roles.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Portugal's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork bellies and cuts have decreased. In 2021, imports were valued at 9 738 thousand US dollars, a 9.3% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 17.1%, with an average annual increase of 5.4%. The highest value was in 2020 at 10 738 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest rise of 17.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain, France, and Germany consistently led Portugal's import structure in value terms. Spain accounted for 49.6% of imports, France for 25.7%, and Germany for 22.4%, collectively representing 97.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021