Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Belgium experienced notable swings in physical volume from 2018 to 2024. After reaching 45 331 t in 2019, consumption jumped sharply to 69 485 t in 2020, then fell back to 28 219 t in 2021.

From 2021, the market volume stabilized near 30 000 t per year. This coincided with a drop in domestic pig production, pressured by rising animal feed costs linked to the conflict in Ukraine, which constrained local supply. During this period, new health recommendations and labeling regulations for processed red meat, including specific rules on preservatives like nitrites, came into effect, influencing product formulation and market offerings.

In the latter part of the period, high agricultural input costs continued to affect production economics. A consumer trend toward substituting pork with cheaper poultry and minced meats, driven by elevated retail prices, shaped demand, while a modest recovery in pig slaughter rates in 2024 helped balance supply.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's output of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork was valued at 251.6 million US dollars, marking a 7.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.7%, which translates to an average annual rate of 4.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 8.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium ranked as the 16th largest producer of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork globally, solidifying its position among the world's leading producers.

Top producers of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

Salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork production in Belgium declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output totaled 31 857 tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 4.6% compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 34 197 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.2%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Belgium rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 19 965 tonnes, reflecting a robust 23.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 26.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg were the top destinations for Belgium's exports in volume terms. France accounted for 55.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.8%, and Luxembourg for 13.3%, together making up 82.2% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Belgium increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value hit 113.5 million US dollars, showing a solid 11.5% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the leading destinations for Belgium's exports in value terms were France, Germany, and the Netherlands. France represented 50.1% of export value, Germany 18.5%, and the Netherlands 17.9%, collectively accounting for 86.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork into Belgium grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volumes were recorded at 57 594 tonnes, indicating a steep 105.0% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 280.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 56.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France were consistently the main sources for Belgium's imports in volume terms. Italy contributed 61.5% of imports, Germany 18.3%, and France 9.1%, together representing 88.9% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium imported 156.5 million US dollars worth of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork, reflecting a solid 14.8% advance from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 18.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 2.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, Germany, and France remained the key sources for Belgium's imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 36.7% of import value, Germany for 24.9%, and France for 16.6%, together taking 78.2% of total import flows.

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

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