After two years of growth, EU pork production is expected to remain broadly stable in 2026. The projected 0.3% increase is in line with the expansion of the sow herd, which grew by 0.6% in December 2025.
In January and February, pork production in the European Union increased by 0.2%. Growth was recorded in several major producing countries, including Denmark, Spain, Poland and France.
The outbreak of African swine fever in Spain at the end of 2025 led to a decline in pork prices but did not result in a reduction in EU exports at the beginning of 2026. Between January and April, external shipments of European pork increased by 3%.
However, exports for the full year are forecast to be 0.5% lower than in 2025. Trade is under growing pressure from China’s anti-dumping duties, rising domestic production in China and competition from Brazil in Asian markets.
Strong shipments to South Korea and Vietnam, which increased significantly at the beginning of 2026, may help limit the decline.
EU pork consumption is forecast to increase by 0.4%. This growth is expected to be supported by lower prices, greater availability of pork on the domestic market and a shift among price-sensitive consumers towards more affordable types of meat.
PigUA.info, based on materials from 3tres3.com