Pork production to increase in Latin America in 2023

Prepared by 333 Latin America based on FAS - USDA data.

Latin America

Production is expected to reach 8.05 Mt (Mt), representing a 2.5% increase from 2022 (7.86 Mt). Estimates of international trade indicate an increase in exports of 4.7% and imports of 0.1%. In this sense, apparent consumption will increase by 1.4%, from 7.92 million tons to 8.03 million tons.

The breakdown of forecasts by major pork producing countries is as follows:

Brazil

Leading pork producer in Latin America will increase by 2.0% compared to 2022, with production rising from 4.35 Mt to 4.43 Mt. Exports are also projected to reach 1.37 Mt, which corresponds to an increase of 3.9 million tons compared to the previous year (1.32 million tons). Imports should reach 2,000 tons (t) and apparent consumption will rise by 1.1% to 3.07 million tons.

Mexico

Production in Mexico is expected to reach 1.6 million tons, which will be 4.6% more than in 2022 (1.53 million tons). With this output, the Central American country will still be the second largest producer in the region. Imports are expected to fall by 2.7%, from 1.28 million tons to 1.24 million tons, although Mexico will maintain its position as the largest importer in the region. Exports should increase by 3.3%, from 300,000 to 310,000 tons, while apparent consumption will increase by 1% to 2.53 million tons.

Argentina

Pork production in Argentina will increase by 1.4% compared to the previous year, from 700,000 to 710,000 tons. Both exports and imports are expected to remain at 5,000 and 65,000 tons respectively, while apparent consumption is expected to increase by 1.3% to 770,000 tons.

Chile

Chile's production is projected to increase by 0.8% compared to 2022, from 590,000 to 595,000 tons. In terms of international trade, the USDA predicts an increase of 12.5% ​​for exports (225,000 tons) and 33.3% for imports (120,000 tons). Apparent consumption is expected to grow by 2.1% to 490 thousand tons.

Colombia

Pork production is expected to reach 525,000 tons, up 6.1% from 495,000 tons in 2022. On the other hand, imports are expected to decline by 6.3%, rising from 160,000 to 150,000 tons. Apparent consumption will increase by 3.1% and reach 675 thousand tons.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, production is expected to decline by 9.1%, from 55,000 to 50,000 tons. Imports will increase by 5.6% to 95,000 tons, while apparent consumption will remain at 145,000 tons. This country is undergoing a reconfiguration of the pork market due to outbreaks of African swine fever.

Guatemala

Production and exports will remain stable at 64,000 and 1,000 tons respectively, while imports (36,000 tons) will increase by 2.9%. Apparent consumption will increase by 1% and reach 99 thousand tons.