Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian market for salted, brined, dried or smoked pork began at 23 927 t in 2018. It grew to 24 964 t in 2019, driven by a 9.8% increase in domestic sales and the introduction of new product developments like peeled packaged sausages and flavored sausages, which aligned with rising consumer demand for higher meat content and premium products. The market volume stabilized at 24 848 t in 2020.

A dramatic expansion followed in 2021, with the market volume surging to 40 568 t. This was followed by a contraction to 36 565 t in 2022 and a further decrease to 34 990 t in 2023.

In the later years, key factors influenced the market environment. By 2024, discount chains strengthened their control, and the sector grappled with significant price increases over prior years, labor shortages, and animal health challenges. In 2025, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease caused major disruption, leading to state intervention purchases. Concurrently, a reduction of VAT to 5% for pork products, including salted, brined, dried or smoked items, lowered retail prices, and targeted marketing campaigns aimed to stimulate consumption.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2019, Hungary's output of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork reached its highest value at 101.3 million US dollars. The following year, in 2020, production declined slightly to 100.5 million US dollars, marking a 0.8% decrease compared to 2019. The most significant annual growth occurred in 2019, with a 2.4% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Hungary ranked as the 18th largest producer of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2018-2021

World map of production of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2018-2021

Hungary's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork showed notable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, output was 23.6 thousand tonnes, which surged by 70.5% to 40.2 thousand tonnes in 2020. Production peaked in 2021 at 40.2 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.7-fold increase from the low of 23.6 thousand tonnes in 2019. The largest annual growth was recorded in 2020, with a 70.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in physical terms reached 2,450 tonnes in 2019, the highest level during 2018-2021. In 2020, exports dropped to 1,656 tonnes, a 32.4% decline from the previous year. By 2021, exports rebounded sharply to 2,435 tonnes, up 47.0% compared to 2020. Over the entire period, exports grew by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Romania, and Czechia were the top buyers of Hungary's salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in physical terms. Germany accounted for 45.8% of exports, Romania for 11.2%, and Czechia for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 65.5% of Hungary's total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In value terms, Hungary's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork stood at 9,827 thousand US dollars in 2020, down 17.5% from the previous year. By 2021, exports surged to 13,402 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 36.4% compared to 2020. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 27.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.5%.

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

During 2018-2021, Germany, Romania, and Czechia were the leading markets for Hungary's salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in value terms, collectively accounting for 63.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in physical terms rose to 2,942 tonnes in 2020, a 38.2% increase from the previous year and the highest level in the period. In 2021, imports declined slightly to 2,830 tonnes, down 3.8% from 2020. Over the full 2018-2021 span, imports increased by 57.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Italy, and Denmark were the main suppliers of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork to Hungary in physical terms. Germany held a 61.2% share of imports, Italy 9.4%, and Denmark 8.9%. Combined, these three countries made up 79.5% of Hungary's total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in value terms grew for the third consecutive year, reaching approximately 18,613 thousand US dollars in 2021, up 6.4% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 52.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 15.0%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Italy, and Spain were the key sources for Hungary's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in value terms. Germany accounted for 57.4% of import value, Italy for 14.7%, and Spain for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented 82.8% of total import flows.

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

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