Search

The paper analyzed pork market in the EU and in the top 10 pork producing countries in the period 2007-2018 based on the statistical data using dynamics analysis based on fixed basis index, and trend analysis based on polynomial and linear equations. The pig number declined in the EU, accounting for 148.2 million heads in 2018. In this year, there were slaughtered 259.3 million pigs from which there were obtained 23.84 million tonnes pork, by 3.8% more than in 2007. About 64% of the EU pork output is carried out in Germany, Spain, France, Denmark and Netherlands. The EU pork exports reached 3.93 million tonnes in 2018, 2 times more than in 2007. The pork imports are not significant and declined. The EU export value was double in 2018, accounting for Euro 7.3 billion, of which 71% is due to Spain, Germany, Denmark and Netherlands. The EU-28 is the top pork exporter in the world, its trade balance reached Euro 7.2 Billion in 2018, being 2.3 times higher than in 2007. The highest trade balance is registered by Spain, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, and France. The average pork carcass price was Euro 142.04 in 2018 at the EU level. Pork is the most consumed meat in the EU, an inhabitant consuming 35 kg per year, 3 times more than the world average. As a final conclusion, the main trends which will continue in the near future in the EU pork market are the following ones: the decline in pig livestock, the slight growth of pork production, the intensification of exports, the decrease in imports and a slight decline of consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]