Global Pork Production 2025: What’s Going On?
Global pork production is steady in 2025, but Brazil is gaining ground in exports while the EU, US, and Canada are losing market share due to trade issues and disease.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently shared its big-picture view of the world’s pork production for 2025. If you're wondering what's happening with pork around the globe—who's producing more, who's selling less, and why Brazil keeps showing up—here's the lowdown in plain English.
Pork Production: Steady as She Goes
The USDA expects global pork production in 2025 to be about the same as last year—116.7 million tons. While some countries are producing a little more, others are cutting back just slightly. Here's the quick breakdown:
Brazil: +2% (more pork coming from here!)
USA: +1% (a small bump)
China: -a little (now at 57 million tons)
European Union (EU): -1% (now 21.1 million tons)
So even though some countries are down a bit, the increases in Brazil and the U.S. keep global totals steady.
Pork Exports: Brazil’s Time to Shine
Now, when it comes to selling pork to other countries, things are shifting a bit. The USDA says total pork exports will drop by 1% to 10.2 million tons in 2025. But not everyone is losing out:
Brazil: +5% in exports (gaining ground fast!)
USA: -2%
Canada: -4%
EU: -4%
Why is Brazil doing so well? Their pork is cheaper to produce, and they’re not tangled up in the same trade issues as others.
Brazil’s Growing Market Share
Brazil is quickly becoming a big player in pork exports. Just a few years ago (2021), they had 11% of the global market. By 2024, that grew to 14%. And now in 2025? They’re expected to hit 15%!
Meanwhile, the EU’s market share has dropped from 41% in 2021 to 29% in 2024. Ouch.
What’s Hurting EU Exports?
There are a few things making it tough for the EU to sell pork abroad:
ASF (African Swine Fever): Still causing trouble.
China’s anti-dumping investigation: Ongoing, with a decision expected by June 17.
Trade tensions: China has also slapped retaliatory tariffs on pork from the US and Canada, which gives Brazil a leg up.
Quick Summary
Global pork production is steady in 2025.
Brazil is rising as a pork powerhouse.
The EU is slipping, mostly due to disease and trade issues.
Pork exports around the world are slightly down overall.
Source: https://www.schweine.net/news/usda-prognose-2025-stabile-erzeugung-erwartet.html