Inside Pigs
EC expects decline in pork exports
Pork production in the European Union (EU) increased by 2018% in the first quarter of 4,1, compared to the same period in 2017, according to a report from the European Commission (EC).
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Mainly the EU N13 countries (countries that joined the EU after May 1, 2004) are showing a strong increase in pork production. This group shows a growth of 10%, while the EU-15 shows a growth of 3%. However, the EC expects that 2018 (as a whole) will only show a small growth in production, thus stabilizing in 2019. This is because the prices decline and exports more difficult is becoming.
Exports will eventually decline
The European Commission expects pork exports to grow by 2018% in 2,5, but indicates that this growth will not continue in 2019. The EC even expects exports to decline. This is because the value of the product will decrease, due to the pressure of rising supplies of cheaper meat from the United States (US).
The figures for the first quarter show that the EU has maintained its position as China's largest supplier (with a market share of 62%). However, in 2017 the country imported less pork and offal from the EU (-400.000 tons). The EC expects this decline to continue in the further course of 2018, which could even cause exports to the country to decline by more than 25%.
Consumption is increasing
Pork consumption is expected to rise to 32,5 kilos per capita. This is mainly due to higher production (in combination with current exports) and lower prices.