Despite the overall slight decline, pork production showed growth. In January–June 2025, 22.1 million pigs were slaughtered in the country, which is 0.7% more (+156.9 thousand heads) than last year. At the same time, the share of domestic pigs increased by 2.3% (+486.6 thousand heads) and amounted to 98.2% of the total volume – 21.7 million animals. On the other hand, the number of pigs imported from abroad fell sharply – by 44.8% (-329.7 thousand heads) – to 406 thousand heads (1.8% of the total volume).
Pork production during this period reached 2.1 million tonnes, which is 1.8% (+38.1 thousand tonnes) more than in the first half of 2024. Experts attribute this to both stable domestic demand and a gradual recovery in exports.
In contrast, beef production declined slightly in the first six months of the year, continuing the trend of recent years. The decline in volume is attributed to a reduction in cattle numbers and structural changes in the sector, with some farmers focusing on dairy production and alternative areas of animal husbandry.
Overall, the German meat market is showing moderate stability with a trend towards growth in pork production, which remains the main type of meat both on the domestic market and in exports.
PigUA.info based on materials from pig333.com