EU pork exports show upward trend

European pork exports have increased slightly compared to February 2025. Exports in February this year amounted to over 369.000 tonnes, an increase of 1,2% compared to the previous year and the best result since February 2022. However, exports are still considerably weaker than the average over the past ten years. Exports were 9,9% below the average level of the period 2015-2025.

Meanwhile, the value of exports increased by 2,5%, reaching its highest level since February 2021. The export value was slightly higher than in February 2022, while export volumes were as much as 16,7% lower. This is the result of a significant increase in the export value. However, in recent years, this increase has been limited. In February 2025, the average export value increased by only 1,4% compared to a year earlier, reaching €2.910 per tonne. Compared to 2022, however, the average export value has increased significantly more, by 20,2%.

Spanish exports rise, German exports fall
Spain clearly knows how to profit from the stronger export. Exports amounted to more than 128.500 tonnes, an increase of 8,3% compared to a year earlier. This means that Spain remains by far the largest exporter. The southern European country accounted for 34,8% of the total export. The Netherlands remained the second largest exporter. The total volume rose slightly, by 0,5% to more than 61.500 tonnes.

Meanwhile, exports from Denmark actually decreased. Exports from the Scandinavian country fell by 11,8% to just under 48.500 tonnes, clearly the sharpest decline among the major producing countries. Exports from the fourth largest market, Poland, however, increased significantly, by 19,8% to 22.500 tonnes. This seems like a very strong performance, but in practice the country’s results at the beginning of 2024 were quite weak. Compared to 2023, exports are still 1,4% lower. While exports from number five, France, remained fairly stable, exports from Germany decreased sharply. Total exports there fell by 25,6% to 23.500 tonnes.

Exports to China are increasing
China remains the largest European market and was good for 98.340 tonnes of pork, of which 57,8% consisted of organ meat. This increased imports by no less than 6,8% compared to the previous year. In proportion, the share of slaughterhouse waste decreased slightly. A year ago, 58,1% of imports consisted of organ meat. In addition, the United Kingdom also remains an important market, although exports decreased slightly. Exports to the nearby island decreased by 2,2% to 66.500 tonnes.

In addition, exports to the Philippines remained strong, as the country has not yet brought the outbreaks of swine fever (ASF) under control. Exports to the Philippines fell by 3,1% to 33.560 tonnes. However, exports are certainly not bad. Exports are still 0,7% above the five-year average. Exports to Japan, meanwhile, fell by 24,4% to 25.000 tonnes. This decline is the result of increased market access from Brazil, which offers its pork considerably cheaper. Exports to South Korea, on the other hand, were slightly higher. Exports to that country rose by 2,5% to 25.500 tonnes.