Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in Argentina expanded consistently from 2018 to 2023, with production rising from 9 047 t to 11 214 t and total market volume growing from 12 250 t to 15 730 t. This growth was primarily driven by a sustained shift in consumer eating habits, as pork became increasingly favored over beef due to its more competitive price, ease of preparation, and perceived nutritional benefits.

The sector demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when a dip in processed meat consumption and higher input costs contributed to a slight market contraction to 12 539 t. However, local production continued to increase, and the market rebounded strongly from 2021 onward, supported by the ongoing consumer preference for pork and record slaughter levels.

The market remains heavily focused on domestic consumption, with exports accounting for only about 2% of production. Major slaughterhouses like Alimentaria La Pompeya and Paladini dominate the concentrated production landscape. To meet growing internal demand, Argentina has relied on significant annual imports, which reached nearly 6 000 t in 2024, highlighting the gap between local output and consumer appetite.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

South America's production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 9 467 tonnes, marking a 3.3% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with an 8.4-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low point in 2019. In 2020, South America exported 180 tonnes of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork, representing a notable increase of 17.4% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 153 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 76.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Hong Kong were the main destinations for South America's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork. Together, they accounted for 55.9% of total exports in kind, with Angola at 28.5%, the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 16.6%, and Hong Kong at 10.7%.

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

After a two-year decline, South America's exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in value terms rebounded in 2020. The region exported 973 thousand US dollars worth of these products, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 70.2%, with an average annual decrease of 33.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 873 thousand US dollars, and the largest drop occurred in 2018, at 66.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from South America was not highly concentrated. The United States, Hong Kong, and Angola together captured only 42.6% of total flows, with the United States accounting for 26.7%, Hong Kong for 9.3%, and Angola for 6.6%.

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 salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America's imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in kind declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 3 252 tonnes, down 14.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 847 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork to South America were primarily sourced from Spain and Italy. Together, these two countries accounted for 82.2% of total imports in kind, with other destinations playing a minor role.

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 salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in value terms fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 32 364 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 10.2% contraction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 10.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 38 323 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Italy remained the key suppliers of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork to South America in value terms. Their combined share reached 88.1% of total imports, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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