EU pork export growth continues to decline

Over the first 5 months of the year, Europe exported a total of almost 2,436 million tons of pork. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 20%. As the year progresses, the percentage increase compared to last year continues to decrease. In the first 4 months of the year, 24% more was exported and in the first 3 months of the year the growth was still 30%.

Main importers
Most pork is still imported by China. Chinese imports increased by 12% compared to last year. Japan then imports most of the European pork. Yet the country imports less meat than last year, with 20% less meat being imported. Japan is the only country that imports less pork over the first 5 months of the year on an annual basis. The largest increase in European pork imports can be seen in the Philippines with an increase of 247%, followed by Vietnam with 119%. 

Main exporters
The largest pork exporter in Europe remains Spain, which exported 929.865 tons of pork in the period from January to May. This is an increase of no less than 59% compared to last year.

After Spain, Germany is the main pork exporter. Germany exported around 2021 tons in 200.420. This is significantly less than last year, namely a decrease of 57%. Germany is the only country where a decline in exports has been noted. The decline can be explained as the African swine fever (ASF) is causing restrictions on pork exports.

The country showing the largest percentage change is Hungary, with a 124% increase in pork exports.