EU pork exports fell in the first half of 2026

In January–June 2026, the EU exported around 2.10 mln tons of pork to third countries, down 1.3% from the same period last year. The overall decline remained limited despite a sharp drop in shipments from Spain.

Spain remained the EU’s largest pork exporter at 585 thsd tons, but its shipments fell 18%. The decline was linked to an African swine fever outbreak and subsequent trade restrictions.

Lower Spanish exports were partly offset by stronger shipments from other EU countries. Germany increased exports by 29% to 189 thsd tons, Denmark by 10% to 330 thsd tons, Poland by 8% to 149 thsd tons and Belgium by 8% to 94 thsd tons.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands cut exports by 4% to 323 thsd tons, while France increased shipments by 2% to 139 thsd tons. Spain accounted for around 28% of total EU pork exports to third countries, followed by Denmark at 16%, the Netherlands at 15% and Germany at 9%.

China remained the largest market for EU pork, although its purchases declined. At the same time, stronger demand from South Korea and Vietnam partly supported EU exports amid trade restrictions and competition from US and Brazilian suppliers.

Tags: export, pork, EU