Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Western Asia increased from 3 696 t to 4 626 t, while the market volume grew from 4 994 t to 5 805 t. This overall expansion occurred despite temporary declines in 2020 and 2022, reflecting a generally rising trend in both output and consumption over the period.

The significant growth in 2023, with production rising by over 400 t and market volume increasing by 645 t, was primarily driven by heightened consumer demand for processed meat products such as bacon and sausages, which directly boosted demand for processed pork. This was supported by broader economic factors including rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles in emerging economies, leading to greater consumption of ready-to-eat and processed foods.

In 2024, import volumes remained significant at 1 144 t. This trade activity took place within a global context marked by the recurrence of African swine fever outbreaks in some regions, which impacted pork supply chains and led to higher feed costs and import controls. Simultaneously, the broader Middle East red meat market continued to exhibit growth potential, supporting sustained demand for processed pork products.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Western Asia

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

Salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork production in Western Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 4 128 tonnes, marking a moderate year-over-year growth of 5.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.1-fold difference between the low of 48 tonnes in 2018 and the high of 147 tonnes in 2019. In 2020, Western Asia exported 106 tonnes of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork, representing a sharp decline of 27.7% compared to 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, at 51.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 205.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan, Liberia, and Hong Kong were the top buyers of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Western Asia. Afghanistan accounted for 35.6% of exports in kind, Liberia for 11.7%, and Hong Kong for 4.5%. Together, these three countries made up 51.8% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork exports from Western Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 706 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.4% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 22.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 406 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 29.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 61.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, exports in value terms of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Western Asia were relatively evenly distributed. Afghanistan contributed 23.1% of exports in value terms, Liberia 16.9%, and Hong Kong 8.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 48.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork imports into Western Asia declined. In 2020, imports totaled 1 022 tonnes, showing a significant drop of 25.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.1%, with an annualized rate of 7.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 370 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United States, and Italy were the main sources of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork imports into Western Asia. The Netherlands accounted for 29.4% of imports in kind, the United States for 11.6%, and Italy for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 52.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork imports into Western Asia declined. In 2020, imports totaled 8 889 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a decrease of 12.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 207 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 5.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United States remained the key partners for imports in value terms of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork into Western Asia. Italy accounted for 20.6% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 17.1%, and the United States for 16.2%. Together, these three countries made up 53.9% of total flows.

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

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