EU slaughter data show that, during the first four months of 2026, production increased both in volume (+2,2%) and in the number of animals (+1,7%) compared with the same period of 2025. The largest increases were recorded in Greece, Slovakia and Croatia, while Latvia, Estonia and the Netherlands experienced significant declines. Production increased in most EU Member States, including several of the largest producers: Spain, France, Poland and Denmark. In the Netherlands, by contrast, the downward trend continued. Between January and April 2026, EU production reached 7,6 million tonnes (77,4 million head). Spain accounted for approximately one quarter of EU production (25,2%) and remained the leading producer, followed by Germany (19,2%), France (9,5%) and Poland (9%).
Exports
Between January and March 2026, EU pork exports reached 1,15 million tonnes, valued at 2.800 million euros. Compared with the same period of 2025, exports increased by 1,2% in volume, but decreased by 12,1% in value.
Shipments to South Korea, Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire and Australia increased, while those destined for China, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Japan and the United States decreased. In absolute terms, the largest decline was in China, which, despite this, remains the main destination for EU pork, accounting for 21,0% of total export volume. The United Kingdom ranked second, with a share of 17,8%. In value terms, the United Kingdom accounted for 26,8% of EU exports (753 million euros), down 10,9% compared with January to March of the previous year, followed by China, at 13,8% (387 million euros), after recording a decline of 33,9%.
The leading exporting Member States, in order of volume, were Spain (29% of EU exports), Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and France, which together accounted for more than 75% of EU exports. By product category, meat exports between January and March of 2026 exceeded those of 2025, and South Korea was the main destination for EU frozen meat. By contrast, exported volumes of lard, fats and offal decreased, especially to China and the Philippines, while shipments to Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire increased. Exports of live animals also grew.
Imports
Between January and March of 2026, EU imports reached 43.000 tonnes, worth 88 million euros. Compared with the same period of 2025, the volume imported increased by 8,5% and its total value by 1,3%. Imports from the United Kingdom accounted for 63% of the total and remained virtually stable (+0,1%). Switzerland accounted for 9,0% of imports, although its shipments decreased by 5,8%, while those from Chile fell by 35%, bringing its share to 4,0% of the total. The United Kingdom mainly exports pork to the EU, while imports from Switzerland consist mostly of pig fat and offal, and those from Chile of frozen meat.
17 July 2026 / EU Agriculture and Rural Development / European Union.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu