Spain boosts EU pig meat production in November

According to data from the EU Commission, 2.1 million tonnes of pig meat was produced in the EU in November 2021, 2% higher than the same month a year ago. Pig slaughter stood at 22.4 million head, 3% above November 2020.

Increased Spanish output continues to support overall continental pig meat production levels, with 494,000 tonnes produced there during the month, up 7% year-on-year. Greater production was also seen in Denmark, up 8% year-on-year to 169,000 tonnes.

Lower production in Germany (and Poland, to a lesser extent) continues to weigh on overall continental production levels, especially evident during the second half of 2021.

For the year to November, a total of 21.4 million tonnes of pig meat was produced in the EU, 2% more than the same period a year ago. Pig slaughter stood at 228 million head (+2%).

EU pig prices have been under pressure since the middle of 2021, reflecting a very well supplied market amid curtailed exports, due to subdued domestic foodservice demand (compared to pre-pandemic) and lower demand from China. The latter has been influenced by recovering Chinese pork production, and the country’s enduring suspension of German pork shipments due to ASF concerns.

The EU Commission forecasts that EU pig meat production could rise slightly again in 2022, while exports are forecast to increase by 7%. However, industry analysts forecast that Chinese pork production will continue recovering in 2022, which could limit the quantity of pork leaving the EU.

Our latest pork outlook explores what these factors could mean for the UK market in more detail.

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