0
According to data published by GPP, provided by INE as preliminary data regarding the export of pigs (piglets for fattening and pigs for slaughter), there was a 22.9% decrease in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year, going from 133,764 head in 2025 to 103,132 head in 2026 (-36,385 head). Breaking down these numbers, 53,049 pigs were sent for slaughter, 13,884 fewer than in 2025, and 53,083 piglets were sent for fattening, 16,748 fewer than last year.
The total weight of these animals fell by 20.8% compared to last year, from 9,888 tons in 2025 to 7,832 tons in 2026. Thus, the total weight of slaughter pigs was 6,932 tons, which gives an average live weight of 130.7 kg, and the total weight of piglets was 900 tons, which gives an average live weight of 18.0 kg.
Portugal increased its pork exports by 67.7% in the first three months of 2026 compared to 2025, with total exports reaching 14,707 tons in 2026 and 8,769 tons in 2025. Specifically, frozen pork sales increased by 82.3%, rising from 4,213 tons in 2025 to 7,680 tons in 2026. Regarding fresh and chilled pork, there was also a 54.2% increase in export volume, rising from 4,556 tons in 2025 to 7,027 tons in 2026. Conversely, offal sales fell by 23.9%, from 2,341 tons in 2025 to 1,782 tons in 2026.
Export revenue grew by 1.8%, from R$ 46.844 million in 2025 to R$ 47.686 million in 2026.
Portugal's trade balance in 2026 improved by €19.57 million compared to 2025, representing an increase of 21.4%.
May 25, 2026/ Swine Newsletter Week 20 - SIMA/ Portugal.
http://www.gpp.pt
