EU pig slaughter to increase in 2025 despite decline in sow numbers

Latest data from the European Commission showed that pig slaughter in the 27 European Union ( EU ) member states maintained its upward trend in the first half of 2025. 

As of July 1, 111.89 million animals had been processed, compared to 110.13 million during the same period in 2024. However, compared to 10 years earlier, the slaughter rate in 2025 has decreased by 7.7%. 

Spain and Germany are concentrating production

Spain, strengthening its leadership in the European pig production sector, topped the list with 28 million pigs slaughtered. Germany ranked second with over 22 million, although its production has declined significantly over the past decade: in 2015, over 29 million animals were slaughtered during the same period. 

The increase in slaughter corresponded with the growth in pig numbers recorded by Eurostat. In spring 2025, the pig population in the 13 leading pig-producing countries amounted to 121.8 million heads, an increase of 0.5% compared to 2024. The largest increases were observed in Denmark (5.6%) and Spain (3.6%).

 Despite the overall increase in herd numbers, the number of breeding sows in the region decreased by 2.9%. An increase was recorded only in Hungary (5.4%), while the largest decrease was recorded in the Netherlands (7%). 

In Spain, according to official data, the cow population declined by 5% during this period. However, analysts say this decline does not necessarily mean a decline in production in the Iberian country, as the Spanish pig industry has improved disease control, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS).