Belgium sees sharp decline in pig slaughter

In December 2022, 867,578 pigs were slaughtered in Belgium, down 13% from December 2021, according to the Belgian statistical agency Statbel. The reduction in the number of pigs in 2022 is estimated at 4.9%, from 6,145,696 pigs in 2021 to 5,846,586 pigs in 2022. Most Belgian pigs are kept in Flanders (94%).

Experts see the decline as evidence of poor market conditions and poor future prospects for the sector. The crisis in pig production has been going on for almost two years now. The lack of exports to Asia, including as a result of swine fever in the EU, led to a large surplus in the European market and, consequently, to a deterioration in performance.