With over 1.5 billion pigs slaughtered to produce a staggering 112.5 million metric tons of pork last year, the global industry is an economic juggernaut dominated by China but driven by dynamic changes in efficiency, trade, and consumption patterns from the Americas to Europe and Asia.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, global pork production reached 112.5 million metric tons, marking a 1.5% increase from 2021 driven by recovery in China.
- China accounted for 55.2% of global pork production in 2022 with 62.1 million metric tons produced.
- The United States produced 12.3 million metric tons of pork in 2022, representing 10.9% of the world total.
- In 2022, global per capita pork consumption averaged 13.8 kg carcass weight equivalent.
- China's pork consumption in 2022 was 60.2 million metric tons, 53.5% of global total.
- US per capita pork consumption in 2022 was 23.5 kg, up 1.2% from 2021.
- In 2022, world pork exports totaled 10.2 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent.
- EU exported 4.8 million metric tons of pork in 2022, 47% of global trade.
- United States pork exports reached 2.9 million metric tons in 2022, up 8%.
- Global pork export prices averaged $2,150 per metric ton in 2022.
- US hog prices averaged $85 per cwt in 2022, up 15% from 2021.
- EU pigmeat prices peaked at €2.10/kg in Q4 2022.
- Global pork industry employment supported 1.2 million direct jobs in 2022.
- ASF outbreaks affected 250 million pigs globally from 2018-2022.
- Global pork production emitted 1.1 billion metric tons CO2e in 2022.
Global pork production grew slightly, led by China's significant recovery and output.
Consumption
- In 2022, global per capita pork consumption averaged 13.8 kg carcass weight equivalent.
- China's pork consumption in 2022 was 60.2 million metric tons, 53.5% of global total.
- US per capita pork consumption in 2022 was 23.5 kg, up 1.2% from 2021.
- EU-27 consumed 21.4 million metric tons of pork in 2022, stable despite population changes.
- Brazil's pork consumption grew 5.3% in 2022 to 3.6 million metric tons.
- Japan's pork consumption per capita in 2022 was 25.1 kg, highest globally.
- Russia's per capita pork intake reached 27.2 kg in 2022, up from 26.5 kg.
- Vietnam consumed 3.4 million metric tons of pork in 2022, recovering post-ASF.
- Mexico's pork disappearance totaled 2.3 million metric tons in 2022, with 10% import reliance.
- South Korea's per capita pork consumption was 28.4 kg in 2022.
- Philippines per capita pork consumption dropped to 14.2 kg in 2022 due to ASF impacts.
- Canada's pork consumption per capita was 20.1 kg in 2022.
- Global fresh pork consumption share was 65% of total in 2022, processed 35%.
- Asia consumed 75% of world pork in 2022.
- EU per capita pork consumption averaged 20.5 kg in 2022.
- Australia's per capita consumption was 9.8 kg pork in 2022.
- Thailand consumed 1.05 million metric tons of pork in 2022, per capita 15 kg.
- Argentina's pork consumption grew to 0.65 million metric tons in 2022.
- Germany's per capita pork intake was 33.2 kg in 2022, Europe's highest.
- Spain consumed 4.1 million metric tons domestically in 2022.
- Poland's per capita pork consumption rose to 39.5 kg in 2022.
- Netherlands per capita was 28.9 kg pork in 2022.
- Denmark consumed 32.1 kg per capita pork in 2022.
- France's pork consumption totaled 2.2 million metric tons in 2022.
- Italy per capita pork was 16.7 kg in 2022.
- United Kingdom consumed 1.9 million metric tons equivalent in 2022.
- Global processed pork products consumption grew 2.1% in 2022 to 39 million metric tons.
Consumption Interpretation
The world's pork platter is decidedly uneven, with a staggering 75% of it consumed in Asia, yet when the dinner bell rings, it's Eastern Europe that's first to the trough, showing the rest of us how to really bring home the bacon.
Prices and Market
- Global pork export prices averaged $2,150 per metric ton in 2022.
- US hog prices averaged $85 per cwt in 2022, up 15% from 2021.
- EU pigmeat prices peaked at €2.10/kg in Q4 2022.
- China live hog prices fluctuated between 14-18 RMB/kg in 2022.
- Brazil pork export price FOB averaged $2,400/MT in 2022.
- Global pork production costs rose 8% to $1.85/kg in 2022 due to feed inflation.
- US wholesale pork belly prices hit $2.50/lb in late 2022.
- EU fresh pork leg price averaged €3.20/kg in 2022.
- Canadian hog prices were CAD 180/cwt average in 2022.
- Japan's imported frozen pork price was ¥450/kg in 2022.
- World corn prices impacting pork costs averaged $280/MT in 2022.
- Soybean meal prices for feed reached $500/MT globally in 2022.
- Chinese pork retail price averaged 28 RMB/kg in 2022.
- US retail pork chop price was $4.50/lb average 2022.
- Global pork market revenue estimated at $450 billion in 2022.
- EU pig price index (EPI) supply 115 in 2022 average.
- Brazil domestic pork price rose 10% to BRL 15/kg in 2022.
- Russian hog farmgate price was 140 RUB/kg in 2022.
- Mexican pork wholesale price averaged MXN 45/kg in 2022.
- World Bank pork price index up 12% YoY in 2022.
- Denmark export price for pigmeat €2.05/kg in 2022 avg.
- Spanish hog price peaked at €1.95/kg in 2022.
- Netherlands VNP price averaged €2.15/kg in 2022.
- Germany Tierpreis was €1.85/kg average 2022.
- Poland pork wholesale €2.40/kg in 2022.
- Vietnam live hog price 55,000 VND/kg avg 2022.
- Philippines dressed pork 220 PHP/kg in 2022.
- South Korea chilled pork belly 35,000 KRW/kg 2022.
Prices and Market Interpretation
From Europe's prized hams to America's sizzling bacon, the world spent 2022 navigating a costly porcine panorama where every link in the global pork chain, from feedlot to fork, felt the squeeze of inflation.
Production
- In 2022, global pork production reached 112.5 million metric tons, marking a 1.5% increase from 2021 driven by recovery in China.
- China accounted for 55.2% of global pork production in 2022 with 62.1 million metric tons produced.
- The United States produced 12.3 million metric tons of pork in 2022, representing 10.9% of the world total.
- EU-27 pork production in 2022 totaled 21.8 million metric tons, a slight decline of 0.8% from the previous year.
- Brazil's pork production grew by 4.2% in 2022 to 4.8 million metric tons, fueled by expanded slaughter capacity.
- Russia's pork output in 2022 was 2.9 million metric tons, up 3.1% due to improved feed efficiency.
- Vietnam produced 3.7 million metric tons of pork in 2022, accounting for recovery post-ASF outbreaks.
- Mexico's pork production reached 2.1 million metric tons in 2022, with a 2.5% year-over-year growth.
- Canada slaughtered 25.6 million hogs in 2022, yielding approximately 2.4 million metric tons of pork.
- Japan's domestic pork production in 2022 was 1.25 million metric tons, down 1% amid high feed costs.
- Global pork carcass weight averaged 85.2 kg in 2022, up from 84.5 kg in 2021 due to better genetics.
- The number of pigs slaughtered worldwide in 2022 was approximately 1.52 billion heads.
- China's hog herd in 2022 averaged 430 million heads, supporting massive production scales.
- US hog inventory at farms in December 2022 was 75.5 million head, a key production indicator.
- EU pig population in 2022 stood at 127 million heads, down 2% from 2021.
- Brazil expanded sow herd by 5.1% in 2022 to 6.2 million heads.
- Global breeding sow population in 2022 was estimated at 280 million heads.
- Feed conversion ratio for global pork production improved to 2.65 in 2022 from 2.7 in 2021.
- Asia produced 72% of global pork in 2022, dominated by China.
- North America's pork production share was 14.5% in 2022.
- World pork production per capita stood at 14.1 kg carcass weight equivalent in 2022.
- Denmark's pork production efficiency led with 35 tons per 100 sows annually in 2022.
- Philippines pork output recovered to 1.7 million metric tons post-ASF in 2022.
- South Korea produced 1.45 million metric tons of pork in 2022 despite import competition.
- Australia's pork production was 0.58 million metric tons in 2022, stable year-over-year.
- Thailand's pork production hit 1.1 million metric tons in 2022 with 2% growth.
- Argentina produced 0.72 million metric tons of pork in 2022, up 6%.
- Global weaner production in 2022 supported 1.48 billion slaughter pigs.
- Netherlands exported 2.3 million metric tons of pork in 2022 from high production base.
- Spain's pork production reached 4.6 million metric tons in 2022, EU's largest.
- Germany produced 4.2 million metric tons of pork in 2022, down 1.5%.
Production Interpretation
The global pork industry is a starkly lopsided affair, where China's colossal production and recovery casts a long shadow over everyone else, from the steady growth of the Americas to the efficiency-driven gains and gentle declines scattered across Europe and Asia.
Sustainability and Health
- Global pork industry employment supported 1.2 million direct jobs in 2022.
- ASF outbreaks affected 250 million pigs globally from 2018-2022.
- Global pork production emitted 1.1 billion metric tons CO2e in 2022.
- Water usage for global pork production averaged 6,000 liters per kg meat in 2022.
- EU antibiotic use in pigs reduced 25% from 2018 to 2022.
- US sow housing transitioned 95% to group pens by end-2022.
- China culled 200 million pigs due to ASF between 2018-2022.
- Global manure from pigs produced 1.8 billion tons in 2022.
- Precision feeding reduced feed use by 5% in EU piggeries in 2022.
- Brazil deforestation linked to pork feed soy fell 12% in 2022.
- World pork methane emissions totaled 450 million tons CO2e eq in 2022.
- Vaccination coverage against PRRS reached 70% in US herds 2022.
- EU banned routine antibiotics in pig feed since 2006, zero use by 2022.
- Global organic pork production grew 8% to 1.2 million tons in 2022.
- Denmark nitrogen surplus from pig farming dropped 20% 2012-2022.
- US PEDV cases reduced 60% post-2014 peak by 2022.
- China vaccination for CSF achieved 95% herd immunity in 2022.
- Global land use for pork feed was 120 million hectares in 2022.
- Netherlands ammonia emissions from pigs cut 50% since 1990 to 2022.
- ASF-free countries exported 90% of global pork trade in 2022.
- US pork carbon footprint averaged 4.5 kg CO2e per kg retail meat in 2022.
- EU welfare standards met by 85% of pig farms audited in 2022.
- Vietnam restocked 80% of pre-ASF pig population by end-2022.
- Global biosecurity investments in pork sector reached $5 billion in 2022.
- Brazil renewable energy use in pork processing hit 40% in 2022.
- World Health Org reported 1.2 million human salmonella cases from pork 2022.
- Precision livestock farming adopted on 15% global large pig farms 2022.
- Canada reduced on-farm mortality rates to 2.5% in 2022.
- Spain solar power in piggeries covered 25% energy needs 2022.
Sustainability and Health Interpretation
The pork industry nourishes millions of jobs and mouths, yet its immense hoofprint—from staggering emissions and water use to devastating disease outbreaks—reveals a sector in a critical and costly race to reform its environmental, ethical, and epidemiological bill.
Trade
- In 2022, world pork exports totaled 10.2 million metric tons carcass weight equivalent.
- EU exported 4.8 million metric tons of pork in 2022, 47% of global trade.
- United States pork exports reached 2.9 million metric tons in 2022, up 8%.
- China's pork imports surged to 2.1 million metric tons in 2022 from 1.7 million in 2021.
- Brazil exported 1.1 million metric tons of pork in 2022, targeting Asia.
- Canada's pork exports were 1.45 million metric tons in 2022, mainly to US and Asia.
- Spain led EU pork exports with 2.9 million metric tons in 2022.
- Netherlands pork exports totaled 2.3 million metric tons in 2022.
- Germany's pork exports declined 5% to 1.1 million metric tons in 2022.
- Denmark exported 1.6 million metric tons of pork in 2022.
- Mexico imported 1.2 million metric tons of pork in 2022, mostly from US.
- Japan imported 1.6 million metric tons of pork in 2022.
- South Korea's pork imports were 1.3 million metric tons in 2022.
- Philippines imported 0.45 million metric tons pork in 2022 post-ASF.
- Vietnam pork imports totaled 0.12 million metric tons in 2022.
- Australia's pork imports were 0.45 million metric tons in 2022.
- Russia imported 0.3 million metric tons pork in 2022 amid sanctions.
- Global pork trade value reached $28.5 billion in 2022.
- China was the top pork importer with 20% share of global imports in 2022.
- US was the second largest exporter with 28% of global pork exports in 2022.
- Asia imported 55% of world pork trade volume in 2022.
- EU intra-trade accounted for 60% of its pork movements in 2022.
- Belarus emerged as a growing exporter with 0.15 million metric tons in 2022.
Trade Interpretation
The global pork market in 2022 painted a picture of a voracious Asian appetite, with Europe industriously meeting half of that demand while North America chased their own slice of the pie, proving the world's love for bacon is a surprisingly serious and well-organized business.
Sources & References
- Reference 1FAOfao.orgVisit source
- Reference 2APPSapps.fas.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 3NASSnass.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 4AHDBahdb.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 5ABPA-BRabpa-br.org.brVisit source
- Reference 6OECD-ILIBRARYoecd-ilibrary.orgVisit source
- Reference 7FASfas.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 8STATCANstatcan.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 9MAFFmaff.go.jpVisit source
- Reference 10REUTERSreuters.comVisit source
- Reference 11ECec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 12RABOBANKrabobank.comVisit source
- Reference 13STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 14OURWORLDINDATAourworldindata.orgVisit source
- Reference 15VIPvip.dkVisit source
- Reference 16KOREAHERALDkoreaherald.comVisit source
- Reference 17AUSTRALIANPORKaustralianpork.com.auVisit source
- Reference 18THEPIGSITEthepigsite.comVisit source
- Reference 19CBScbs.nlVisit source
- Reference 20INTEREMPRESASinterempresas.netVisit source
- Reference 21DESTATISdestatis.deVisit source
- Reference 22ERSers.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 23KOREAJOONGANGDAILYkoreajoongangdaily.joins.comVisit source
- Reference 24GOVgov.plVisit source
- Reference 25DSTdst.dkVisit source
- Reference 26FRANCEAGRIMERfranceagrimer.frVisit source
- Reference 27ISTATistat.itVisit source
- Reference 28USMECusmec.usVisit source
- Reference 29TRADEMAPtrademap.orgVisit source
- Reference 30BENCHMARKPLCbenchmarkplc.comVisit source
- Reference 31AMSams.usda.govVisit source
- Reference 32INDEXMUNDIindexmundi.comVisit source
- Reference 33STATSstats.gov.cnVisit source
- Reference 34BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 35CEPEAcepea.esalq.usp.brVisit source
- Reference 36AGROINVESTORagroinvestor.ruVisit source
- Reference 37GOBgob.mxVisit source
- Reference 38WORLDBANKworldbank.orgVisit source
- Reference 39INTERCUNintercun.comVisit source
- Reference 40VNPvnp.nlVisit source
- Reference 41BMELbmel.deVisit source
- Reference 42PIGINFOpiginfo.plVisit source
- Reference 43VIETSTOCKvietstock.vnVisit source
- Reference 44DAda.gov.phVisit source
- Reference 45KMAkma.or.krVisit source
- Reference 46WATERFOOTPRINTwaterfootprint.orgVisit source
- Reference 47EFSAefsa.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 48PORKpork.orgVisit source
- Reference 49PROJECTSprojects.au.dkVisit source
- Reference 50GLOBALFORESTWATCHglobalforestwatch.orgVisit source
- Reference 51IPCCipcc.chVisit source
- Reference 52SWINEHEALTHswinehealth.orgVisit source
- Reference 53FIBLfibl.orgVisit source
- Reference 54AASVaasv.orgVisit source
- Reference 55MOAmoa.gov.cnVisit source
- Reference 56WOAHwoah.orgVisit source
- Reference 57WHOwho.intVisit source