EU Share of Pork Global Exports Continues Decline

Oct 16, 2023

European Union (EU) pork exports are expected to decline 25% in 2024 compared to 2019 and account for 15% of production, down from 19% in 2019, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service reports in the latest Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade report. In addition to growing regulatory burdens, the report notes EU swine producers continue to face challenges controlling the impact of African swine fever (ASF), which has resulted in a reduced swine herd and limited exports to some markets.

Meanwhile, global production in 2024 is forecast virtually unchanged year over year at 115.5 million tons, the report says. Lower production in the EU and China is mostly offset by larger production in Brazil, Vietnam and the U.S. EU pork production is forecast 2% lower year over year to 21.2 million tons.

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.