Evolution of the Spanish pork sector in 2024

The Spanish pork sector has experienced variations in its exports and production during 2024. In June, Spanish exports of pork and pork products grew by 4%, reaching 99,139 tonnes, compared to 95,360 tonnes in the same month in 2023. However, the annual cumulative figure shows a decrease of 3.5%, with a total of 656,766 tonnes exported, compared to 680,378 tonnes in the previous year. Despite this decline, pork still represents 85% of total exports of meat and derived products, with a total of 116,485 tonnes of pork exported in June 2024.

The international market has shown significant variations. On the one hand, China, the main destination, has reduced its imports by 11.5%, with 261,074 tonnes exported so far this year. This drop is due to several factors, including the increase in Chinese domestic production. In contrast, other markets have grown significantly: Japan has imported 104,404 tonnes, 3% more than in 2023, and the Philippines has seen an increase of 19%, reaching 94,452 tonnes. Great Britain has also shown an increase of 7.4%.

As for pig slaughter in Spain, a slight decrease has been recorded. During June, total slaughter fell by 8.37% compared to the same month of the previous year, falling from 4,256,754 animals slaughtered in June 2023 to 3,900,268 in June 2024. The most notable falls were observed in Catalonia, with a decrease of 12.57%, and in Aragon, with a fall of 5.28%. In the annual cumulative, total slaughter has experienced a more moderate fall of 0.83%.

These data reflect both the fluctuations of the international market and the internal challenges facing the pig sector in Spain. Declines in some markets, such as China, pose challenges, while growth in countries such as Japan, the Philippines and Great Britain offer opportunities to diversify exports. At the same time, the fall in the number of slaughters indicates lower production, which could be related to adjustments in demand or the need to control supply.

Source: 333.