Aug 1, 2025
EU pork production and exports rise, driven by Chinese demand
The European Union (EU) has solidified its position as a leading player in the global pork market, with exports and production both experiencing significant growth in the first quarter of 2025. This development is largely attributed to increased demand from China, which continues to seek alternative suppliers amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
EU Pork Production and Export Growth
According to the latest data from the European Commission, EU pork production rose by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 5.61 million metric tons. This increase is primarily driven by higher slaughter weights, supported by favourable feed costs and efficient feed conversion rates. Meanwhile, EU exports of fresh and frozen pork meat also saw a 2.2% increase, good for a total of 540,589 metric tons during the same period. China remains the largest market for EU pork exports, accounting for 21.3% of the total, followed by Japan and South Korea.
Market Implications
The rise in EU pork exports is largely fueled by China's strategic shift to diversify its suppliers due to tariffs imposed on US pork. Despite a trade agreement between the US and China, Chinese importers continue to favour EU pork, which has bolstered EU export figures. This trend is expected to continue, as the EU's competitive pricing and quality standards make it an attractive option for Chinese buyers.
In terms of pricing, the EU pork market has seen a recovery since a sharp dip in January 2025. Prices for EU pork carcasses have risen by 7.6% since the start of the year, although they remain 5.8% lower than the same period in 2024. Analysts predict that prices will peak in June before stabilising or slightly decreasing towards the end of the year.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the EU pork market is expected to remain robust, with prices trending within a fair value range of EUR 2.01–2.33/kg. Seasonal factors and ongoing trade dynamics will continue to influence market conditions. As the US-China trade relationship remains uncertain, any changes could further impact demand for EU pork, potentially driving prices higher.
Overall, the EU's strong export performance and production growth indicate a resilient market poised to capitalise on global trade shifts.