Inside Pigs
Strong growth in European pork exports
European pork exports have grown this year and the Chinese importance has increased sharply. Will those good figures continue into the last month of the year now that African swine fever (ASF) is leaving its mark on the European pig market?
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In total, Europe exported approximately 9 million tons of pork in the first 3,9 months of the year. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 20,2%. Traditionally, by far the most meat was exported to China, but the Chinese share has increased significantly this year.
During this period, more than 2,42 million tons of pork were exported to China. That is 65% above last year's level and even exceeds the total of 2019, when 2,42 million tonnes were exported.
Chinese share
The Chinese share has grown, approximately 62,3% of total European exports find their way to the Chinese market. Japan is in 2nd place, where 7,1% of European exports go. Hong Kong, South Korea and the Philippines are also major buyers this year.
The figures once again confirm that European pork exports are extremely dependent on Chinese demand. Now that China is increasing domestic production, the need for imports will eventually decrease. It remains difficult to estimate exactly when this will happen because the country is still struggling with ASF outbreaks.