The present and future of live pig trade in the EU

The trade in live pigs between the countries of the European Union has been affected by the sanitary situation, logistical difficulties after covid-19 , as well as the fact that production is experiencing stricter regulations and increased competitiveness.

In 2021, more than 31 micro pigs were traded between the EU countries, a sharp decrease compared to 2017 (-10%). The spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Belgium in 2018, then in Germany in 2020, as well as logistical problems associated with COVID-19, has complicated the international live trade. Historically, this trade took place in Northern Europe, especially between bordering countries. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany generate 82% of European flows. Transportation over longer distances is still possible, although European regulations make it more difficult. Slaughter pigs are exported at high remuneration in order to adjust domestic supply according to demand. The EXPORT of piglets associated with specialized production complies with environmental restrictions, allowing for on-site rearing.

The two main exporters of live pigs, the Netherlands and Denmark, export more than 23 million pigs annually to other EU member states.

In the Netherlands, exports fell by 17.4% between 2020 and 2021 due to a sharp fall in the country's production. Exports to Germany, the main destination of the Netherlands, fell in both piglets and slaughter pigs, halving to less than 650,000 heads, barely a quarter of 2017 exports. This is also due to the decline in pork prices in Germany after the outbreak of ASF.

For Denmark, the main destinations are Germany and Poland. The export of Danish piglets to Poland has been falling since 2018 and this trend is increasing in 2021 (-12% in 21/20). This decrease is explained by the spread of ASF in Poland and the low profitability of finishing. Flows of Danish piglets to Germany remain stable, but the advantage of domestic origin in Germany could lead to a decline.

Spain imported 2.5 million piglets in 2021, including 1.9 million from the Netherlands, supporting recent domestic growth and offsetting the loss of piglets on farms affected by the PRRSV. To meet the increased domestic slaughter capacity, Spain imports more than 600,000 slaughter pigs per year.

As for France, this country mainly exports slaughter pigs to Belgium (259 thousand heads in 2021) and occasionally trades with Spain (131 thousand pigs in 2021).

Intra-EU trade in live animals is expected to decline in the coming years, driven in part by lower production in the Netherlands and Denmark and lower demand in Germany.