According to data from the Romanian Carcass Classification Commission, in week 5 of 2026 (January 26 – February 1), the average farm-gate price for live pigs dropped to 4.95 RON/kg (about €0.97/kg) and continues to decline. At the same time, the real production cost exceeds 6.5 RON/kg (€1.28/kg), generating significant losses for producers. APCPR President Adrian Balaban emphasized that this is no longer a normal market fluctuation but a “collapse that threatens the existence of Romanian farms.”
ASF remains a key problem
Over the past eight years, African swine fever (ASF) has significantly weakened the sector. Romania currently covers only 20–40% of domestic pork demand with local production. Although most consumers prefer Romanian pork, they often struggle to identify it on store shelves or find it consistently available in retail outlets.
The association also points to strong import pressure, particularly from countries that have recently experienced ASF outbreaks, as well as the lack of a national reference pricing system similar to those operating in Germany or Spain.
Informal sector deepens the imbalance
Another major issue is competition from small unauthorized producers who officially raise pigs for self-consumption but sell products outside official channels. Preliminary data indicate that about 604,000 pigs were kept in this sector in 2025 — more than 330,000 more than a year earlier.
Industry representatives argue that sales outside tax and veterinary control create unfair competition for commercial farms, which face high biosecurity costs and strict food safety requirements.
Risk of farm closures
APCPR warns that without rapid action from the government, processors, and retailers, farm closures may become inevitable. Reopening farms requires substantial investment, which could endanger rural employment and increase the country’s dependence on imports.
In response, the association has launched a debate on proper labeling of Romanian pork and introduced the “Well-raised Romanian pig” campaign aimed at supporting domestic producers.
Sector in figures
During 2024–2025, Romania’s pig sector experienced declining livestock numbers, unstable production, and growing imports. As of May 2025, the country’s pig population stood at about 2.92 million head — over 97,000 fewer than the previous year. Today, approximately 70% of pork sold on the market is imported.
Despite the challenges, experts note that the sector still has recovery potential thanks to its feed resources, strong domestic demand, and opportunities for production modernization.
PigUA.info, based on materials from agroberichtenbuitenland.nl