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

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in Western Europe was characterized by concentrated export activity, with the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Poland, and the UK accounting for 93% of EU exports. Preserved pork production across the EU remained flat that year, yet the total market value grew from USD 6.0 billion in 2018 to USD 6.7 billion in 2020, even as export prices had moderated from their 2014 peak.

The market contracted sharply to USD 4.5 billion in 2021 before rebounding to USD 6.0 billion in 2022. A more pronounced downturn followed in 2023, with the market size halving to USD 3.1 billion, mirroring a steep drop in production volumes.

By 2024, industry reports highlighted a 1.4% increase in German meat production—the first rise since 2016—driven by pork and poultry. Swiss pork supply grew modestly as imports surged 40% amid a domestic production decline. Prices for salted and smoked meats in the Netherlands rose 5.6% in early 2024, pressured by high feed costs and supply chain disruptions. African swine fever outbreaks in Poland added to regional volatility, while the Netherlands' announced meat and methane tax, scheduled for 2028, began shaping long-term market expectations.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K 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

In 2019, Western Europe produced 1 109.4 thousand tons of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork, marking the highest output in recent years. However, production declined to 991.6 thousand tons in 2020, representing a 10.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production fell by 7.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 3.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork production in Western Europe reached its lowest point in 2018 at 4 802 million US dollars. It then surged to 5 805 million US dollars in 2019, the highest value recorded, reflecting a substantial 20.9% increase from the previous year. In 2020, production value decreased to 5 347 million US dollars, down 7.9% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, the total value increased by 10.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

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

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Western Europe peaked in 2018 at 211.8 thousand tons. They then fell by 12.6% in 2019, followed by a further decline of 1.9% in 2020 to 181.6 thousand tons, marking the second consecutive year of decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 14.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The smallest change was a marginal 0.1% increase in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the largest buyer of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Western Europe, accounting for 49.9% of exports in volume. Denmark followed with 6.4%, and Italy with 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 62.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork exports from Western Europe reached its lowest point in 2018 at 952 million US dollars. It then increased by 1.8% in 2019 and rose further by 1.1% in 2020 to 979 million US dollars, marking the second consecutive year of growth. The only decline in this period was a 0.9% drop in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the top buyer in value terms, representing 32.9% of exports. Denmark accounted for 7.3%, and Italy for 7.1%. Combined, these three countries contributed 47.2% of total export value, indicating a relatively diversified market structure with multiple significant buyers.

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

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

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

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork into Western Europe have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 130.9 thousand tons, a sharp increase of 25.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 46.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading supplier of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork to Western Europe, accounting for 41.8% of imports in volume. Spain followed with 20.4%, and Hungary with 1.5%. Together, these three countries made up 63.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork imports into Western Europe declined by 2.6% in 2019. However, it rebounded in 2020, reaching 1 072 million US dollars, an 8.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 12.5%, with an average annual increase of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the largest supplier in value terms, representing 42.5% of imports. Spain accounted for 23.3%, and Hungary for 0.9%. Combined, these three countries contributed 66.8% of total import value, solidifying their position as the main sources for salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in Western Europe.

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

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