Portugal: Live pig exports fell 10%, while pork exports increased 37% in the first half of 2026

According to data published by the GPP, provided by the INE as preliminary data on live pig exports (piglets for finishing and pigs for slaughter), there was a 10.3% decline in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period of the previous year, falling from 253,668 head in 2025 to 227,460 head in 2026 (-26,218 head). Breaking down these figures, 97,755 pigs were exported for slaughter, 20,056 head fewer than in 2025, and 129,705 piglets were exported for finishing, 6,162 head fewer than last year.

The total weight of these animals decreased by 13.9% compared with the previous year, falling from 17,153 tonnes in 2025 to 14,764 tonnes in 2026. Of this total, slaughter pigs accounted for 12,379 tonnes, giving an average live weight of 126.6 kg, while piglets accounted for 2,385 tonnes, giving an average live weight of 18.4 kg.

In terms of pork, Portugal increased its exports by 38.6% in the first six months of 2026 compared with 2025, with total exports reaching 30,408 tonnes in 2026 versus 21,938 tonnes in 2025. Frozen pork exports increased by 83.3%, from 8,694 tonnes in 2025 to 15,932 tonnes in 2026. Fresh and chilled pork exports also increased, by 9.3%, from 13,244 tonnes in 2025 to 14,476 tonnes in 2026. Offal exports, however, declined by 11.4%, from 4,163 tonnes in 2025 to 3,698 tonnes in 2026.

Export sales revenue decreased by 2.7%, from €100.944 million in 2025 to €98.230 million in 2026.

Portugal's trade balance in the first half of 2026 improved by €33.65 million compared with 2025, representing a 19.1% change, which is an improvement in the trade balance and means that the country was less dependent on imports.