Since the first ASF outbreaks in Romania in 2017, the country has seen a drastic increase in pork imports, costing the national economy billions of dollars. Domestic production, which covered around 70% of consumption needs in 2015–2016, has plummeted to 45% in 2024, with the same trend continuing into 2025.
Between 2017 and 2025, Romania has reported the highest number of ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs across the EU — over 7,000 out of approximately 12,700 in total. The outbreaks mainly affected household farms but also impacted commercial operations, resulting in the culling of more than 1.8 million pigs nationwide.
Pork imports have steadily increased over the past decade due to the declining ability of the domestic industry to meet consumer demand, ASF outbreaks, and the existence of a parallel, untaxed pork market supported by backyard production.
In 2023, Romania imported pork worth $1.13 billion, making it the 10th largest pork importer globally. That year, pork was the 16th most imported product out of 1,213 product categories in Romania. In the first 11 months of 2024, pork imports reached €950.5 million, marking a 28% increase compared to 2013. The trade deficit in this category also deepened to €947.2 million, 28% higher than the previous year.
Between 2013 and 2024, Romania recorded the fastest growth rate in pork imports among leading importing countries, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%, and the highest growth rate in import value in the EU at 11.2% annually.
In light of these alarming developments, APCPR is publicly urging the Prime Minister of Romania, along with relevant authorities (ANSVSA, Ministry of Agriculture, and others), to convene a high-level meeting to establish a comprehensive plan of emergency measures to contain ASF and revive the pork industry, while also addressing the negative impact on the national trade balance.
euromeatnews.com