According to Dimitar Mihaylov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Pig Breeders Association, Bulgaria’s pork production in 2024 reached 83,000 tons, slightly exceeding the 2019 level.
Despite recovery and improved ASF control, pork exports remain limited. Mihaylov explained that Bulgaria can only export to other EU countries that also face ASF cases, significantly narrowing market opportunities.
“Although the ASF situation has improved considerably, export opportunities remain restricted. We can sell pork only to European markets that are themselves dealing with the virus,” he said.
Another persistent problem is the lack of modern slaughterhouses. Mihaylov noted that over the past 10–15 years, Bulgarian meat processors have received substantial funding from EU programs but have invested little in slaughtering infrastructure.
“Our processors expanded production lines but are now forced to import raw materials from Western Europe. This is a systemic issue that authorities have failed to address for years,” he stressed.
According to Mihaylov, in 2025 the main threat to Bulgaria’s pig industry will come from China’s decision to impose anti-dumping tariffs on European pork.
“This is yet another blow after COVID-19, ASF, the war in Ukraine, and rising raw material costs. The impact will not only hit exporters but also flood the EU internal market with oversupply, pushing prices down,” he explained.
He also warned that rising production costs could make European pig farming less competitive compared to the United States and Brazil.
Against this backdrop, farmers fear new environmental initiatives from the European Commission — particularly the planned ban on caged housing for pigs, poultry, and calves.
“If this requirement is approved, the industry will face enormous losses. This initiative is being promoted at an extremely challenging time for pig farming,” Mihaylov emphasized.
Despite Bulgaria’s successful recovery from ASF, its pig industry remains in a state of uncertainty. The domestic market shows stability, but external challenges — trade barriers, infrastructure deficits, and new EU regulatory demands — continue to hinder growth.
Analysts note that further development of the sector will depend on state support, investment in processing capacity, expanded export opportunities, and greater flexibility in EU livestock policy.
Source: PigUA.info based on PigProgress.net