Diversification drives modest rebound in European pork exports in 2025

European pork exports show a slight recovery in 2025. Exports to several major markets declined somewhat, but the EU proved capable of offsetting this decline in smaller markets. European pork exports increased slightly in 2025 by 2.4% to 4,298,251 tonnes. This marks the highest level in three years. Compared to 2022, exports are still 16.6% lower. In 2021, exports were significantly higher, although that comparison is somewhat distorted by exceptionally strong Chinese demand due to swine fever. Spain remains the largestSpain remains by far the largest exporter, accounting for 31.2% of total European exports in 2024. Compared to the previous year, exports increased slightly, rising by 1.8% to 1,340,237 tonnes. In the spring, export growth initially appeared much stronger. In March, volumes were 13% higher than in the same month a year earlier. However, weak international demand and ample US supply later wiped out these gains. After the summer, momentum weakened further due to Chinese tariffs. In December, exports fell sharply following an outbreak of swine fever in Spain. The Netherlands remains the second-largest exporter, but exports declined again, although the decrease was less steep than in previous years. Exports were 2% lower, totaling 665,550 tonnes. Denmark is just behind, and due to a very strong year, the difference between the two countries is still small. The country saw its exports rise by 7.7% to 632,365 tonnes. The gap with countries that primarily produce for their domestic market is substantial. Germany exported a total of 334,895 tonnes of pork. The country's exports saw a significant decline compared to the previous year. However, exports remain slightly above the level of 2023, when exports reached their lowest point since 2003. Exports decreased by 12.9% to 334,895 tonnes. Poland's exports, on the other hand, remained strong, even increasing by 21.4% to 286,436 tonnes. Finally, France's exports have remained fairly stable. Exports of French pork amounted to 286,260 tonnes in 2025, which is 1% lower than the previous year. Exports to China drop significantlyLooking at specific destinations, it becomes clear that imports by the largest markets continue to decline . However, the EU has successfully diversified its exports. When looking at the export destinations, we see that China remains by far the most important purchaser. Total exports amounted to 1,069,909 tonnes. This represents 24.9% of total pork exports, but is 6.8% below last year's level. Since 2022, exports to China have decreased by 31.8%. The decline is due to increased sales from Brazil and significantly higher tariffs for various European companies in the Chinese market. Additionally, the United Kingdom remains the clear second-largest market, although higher domestic production has led to a 4.1% decrease in exports. Meanwhile, exports to the Philippines remain roughly stable at a level of 366,111 tonnes. This situation is not expected to change in the near term, as the country is still dealing with swine fever. Conversely, exports to Japan have dropped significantly, with a decrease of 20.3% to 256,731 tonnes. On the other hand, exports to South Korea increased by 10.9% to 262,882 tonnes. Two other very strong increases were recorded in Vietnam, where exports rose by 32.7% to 180,275 tonnes, and Ivory Coast, where exports increased by 25.1% to 110,807 tonnes. {{dataviewSnapshot(52_1771923160)}