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EU pigmeat production is forecast to remain relatively stable (+0.3%) in 2026, after two years of increasing production, in line with the increase in the sow herd (+0.6%) recorded in December 2025.
Until February this year, production grew by 0.2%, with increases in several of the main producing countries, including Denmark, Spain, Poland and France.
The African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Spain at the end of 2025 led to a decline in pigmeat prices but has not resulted in a fall in EU pigmeat exports at the start of 2026, which increased by 3% between January and April.
However, EU pigmeat exports are forecast to decline slightly in 2026 (-0.5%). China’s anti-dumping tariffs, rising domestic production and competition from Brazil in Asian markets are unlikely to offset the strong export growth to South Korea and Vietnam recorded in early 2026, despite ongoing market pressures.
Consumption is forecast to increase slightly (+0.4%), supported by lower prices, greater availability of pigmeat on the EU market and a shift by some price-sensitive consumers towards more affordable options.
July 29, 2026/ SHORT-TERM OUTLOOK
for EU agricultural markets
in 2026.
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu
