GITNUXREPORT 2025

Pork Industry Statistics

Global pork industry grows steadily, China leads, sustainability increases worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The global pork industry employs over 1.5 billion people directly and indirectly

Statistic 2

Pork prices in the U.S. increased by about 10% in 2022 compared to the previous year

Statistic 3

The rate of antibiotic usage in pork production decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 4

The global pork industry has seen over 4% annual growth over the past decade

Statistic 5

The global organic pork market grew at a CAGR of about 7% from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 6

The adoption of automation in pork processing plants increased by over 20% from 2020 to 2023

Statistic 7

The percentage of U.S. farms raising pigs was around 2% of all farms in 2022

Statistic 8

African Swine Fever has wiped out over 400 million pigs globally since 2018

Statistic 9

The use of precision farming techniques in swine production increased by 15% in 2022

Statistic 10

The percentage of pigs raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the U.S. exceeded 95% in 2022

Statistic 11

The adoption rate of alternative, plant-based pork products increased by 30% in retail sales from 2021 to 2022

Statistic 12

The number of pig farms globally decreased by approximately 10% between 2018 and 2022, due to industry consolidation

Statistic 13

The U.S. pig herd size was projected to decline slightly in 2023 to around 72 million hogs

Statistic 14

The global demand for lean pork cuts is expected to rise by 7% annually through 2025

Statistic 15

The use of probiotic supplements in swine diets increased by around 20% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 16

The industry waste from pork production, including manure, accounts for 45% of agricultural waste in some pig-producing regions

Statistic 17

The adoption of sustainability practices in the pork industry increased by over 25% from 2019 to 2022, according to industry surveys

Statistic 18

The mortality rate for piglets within the first week of birth has decreased to below 10% in major North American farms, due to improved management

Statistic 19

The use of gene editing technologies in pork breeding programs increased significantly from 2020 to 2023, aiming to improve disease resistance

Statistic 20

The percentage of pigs with access to outdoor pasture increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, as part of organic and free-range initiatives

Statistic 21

The percentage of U.S. pigs bred using artificial insemination increased to over 85% in 2022, improving genetics and productivity

Statistic 22

The industry reduction target for methane emissions from pork farms is set at 30% reduction by 2030, as part of climate commitments

Statistic 23

The adoption of blockchain technology for pork supply chain traceability increased 18% in 2022, enhancing transparency and food safety

Statistic 24

The number of new pork farms established in Asia increased by 9% in 2022, reflecting expanding demand

Statistic 25

The percentage of pigs that are vaccinated against common diseases such as PRRS increased to 75% in 2022, improving herd health

Statistic 26

The sustainability certifications for pork farms increased by 22% globally from 2019 to 2022, indicating industry commitment to eco-friendly practices

Statistic 27

The use of artificial intelligence in feed formulation for pigs increased by 14% between 2020 and 2023, optimizing growth and feed efficiency

Statistic 28

The incidence of zoonotic diseases in pork-producing regions decreased by 8% from 2019 to 2022 due to improved biosecurity measures

Statistic 29

The global pork meat processing capacity grew by approximately 6% annually from 2018 to 2022, driven by technological advances

Statistic 30

The percentage of pork farms using renewable energy sources increased to 18% in 2022, aligned with sustainability goals

Statistic 31

The incidence of feed cost as a percentage of total pork production costs averaged about 65% in 2022, highlighting feed efficiency importance

Statistic 32

The global pork industry is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2023 to 2028, indicating steady expansion

Statistic 33

The global pork market was valued at approximately $263 billion in 2022

Statistic 34

In 2022, the U.S. pork industry contributed around $23 billion to the country's economy

Statistic 35

The number of hogs in the U.S. was approximately 73 million in 2022

Statistic 36

The global swine vaccine market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, growing annually at about 6%

Statistic 37

In 2022, the global organic pork market was valued at approximately $5 billion, with North America holding roughly 45% of the market share

Statistic 38

The global market for pork-based processed meats is expected to reach $150 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4%

Statistic 39

The global economic impact of African Swine Fever is estimated to exceed $20 billion since 2018, due to swine losses and trade disruptions

Statistic 40

The global retail sales of pork products are projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand

Statistic 41

China accounts for about 50% of the world's pork production

Statistic 42

The United States produced approximately 12 million metric tons of pork in 2022

Statistic 43

The average pork consumption per capita globally was 15.4 kg in 2022

Statistic 44

Pork production in Europe accounts for approximately 25% of the global pork output

Statistic 45

The United States is the world’s second-largest pork producer after China

Statistic 46

The average carcass weight of market hogs in the U.S. was approximately 282 pounds in 2022

Statistic 47

Approximately 75% of the world's pork is produced in Asia, primarily China

Statistic 48

The top five pork-producing countries are China, European Union, United States, Brazil, and Russia

Statistic 49

Pork constitutes about 40% of global meat consumption

Statistic 50

The average Australian pork producer produces around 23,000 pigs annually

Statistic 51

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for pigs has improved to about 2.5:1 in 2022, meaning 2.5 pounds of feed for 1 pound of pork

Statistic 52

The average age of market-ready pigs in the U.S. is approximately 6 months

Statistic 53

Pork consumption per capita in Mexico increased by 12% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 54

Pork production in Vietnam increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia

Statistic 55

The average number of piglets born per sow in the U.S. increased to 11.5 in 2022, up from 10.8 in 2019

Statistic 56

The average slaughter age for pork in the U.S. is approximately 180 days, or about 6 months

Statistic 57

The average farmgate price for live pigs in China was approximately 24 RMB per kg in 2022

Statistic 58

The average weight of market hogs at slaughter globally is approximately 115 kg (253 lbs)

Statistic 59

Pork exports from the U.S. reached a record 7.3 billion pounds in 2022

Statistic 60

China imported around 5 million metric tons of pork in 2022 to meet domestic demand

Statistic 61

The U.S. is the largest exporter of processed pork products, with exports valued over $4 billion annually

Statistic 62

The percentage of U.S. pork exports destined for Mexico increased by 5% from 2018 to 2022, making Mexico one of the top markets

Statistic 63

The percentage of U.S. pork exports sent via refrigerated containers increased by 12% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting global demand for fresh products

Statistic 64

In Brazil, pork exports increased by 11% in 2022, making it a major player in the global pork trade

Statistic 65

The share of Asian markets in global pork imports increased by 4% from 2019 to 2022, driven by rising demand in developing countries

Slide 1 of 65

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

The global pork market was valued at approximately $263 billion in 2022
China accounts for about 50% of the world's pork production
The United States produced approximately 12 million metric tons of pork in 2022
Pork exports from the U.S. reached a record 7.3 billion pounds in 2022
The average pork consumption per capita globally was 15.4 kg in 2022
Pork production in Europe accounts for approximately 25% of the global pork output
The United States is the world’s second-largest pork producer after China
The global pork industry employs over 1.5 billion people directly and indirectly
The average carcass weight of market hogs in the U.S. was approximately 282 pounds in 2022
Pork prices in the U.S. increased by about 10% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The rate of antibiotic usage in pork production decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022
Approximately 75% of the world's pork is produced in Asia, primarily China
The global pork industry has seen over 4% annual growth over the past decade

The pork industry is experiencing a remarkable global transformation, with China dominating half of the world’s production, the United States setting export records, and sustainable practices and technological innovations paving the way for a more efficient and eco-friendly future.

Industry Trends and Sustainability

The global pork industry employs over 1.5 billion people directly and indirectly
Pork prices in the U.S. increased by about 10% in 2022 compared to the previous year
The rate of antibiotic usage in pork production decreased by 15% from 2019 to 2022
The global pork industry has seen over 4% annual growth over the past decade
The global organic pork market grew at a CAGR of about 7% from 2018 to 2022
The adoption of automation in pork processing plants increased by over 20% from 2020 to 2023
The percentage of U.S. farms raising pigs was around 2% of all farms in 2022
African Swine Fever has wiped out over 400 million pigs globally since 2018
The use of precision farming techniques in swine production increased by 15% in 2022
The percentage of pigs raised in confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the U.S. exceeded 95% in 2022
The adoption rate of alternative, plant-based pork products increased by 30% in retail sales from 2021 to 2022
The number of pig farms globally decreased by approximately 10% between 2018 and 2022, due to industry consolidation
The U.S. pig herd size was projected to decline slightly in 2023 to around 72 million hogs
The global demand for lean pork cuts is expected to rise by 7% annually through 2025
The use of probiotic supplements in swine diets increased by around 20% between 2019 and 2022
The industry waste from pork production, including manure, accounts for 45% of agricultural waste in some pig-producing regions
The adoption of sustainability practices in the pork industry increased by over 25% from 2019 to 2022, according to industry surveys
The mortality rate for piglets within the first week of birth has decreased to below 10% in major North American farms, due to improved management
The use of gene editing technologies in pork breeding programs increased significantly from 2020 to 2023, aiming to improve disease resistance
The percentage of pigs with access to outdoor pasture increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, as part of organic and free-range initiatives
The percentage of U.S. pigs bred using artificial insemination increased to over 85% in 2022, improving genetics and productivity
The industry reduction target for methane emissions from pork farms is set at 30% reduction by 2030, as part of climate commitments
The adoption of blockchain technology for pork supply chain traceability increased 18% in 2022, enhancing transparency and food safety
The number of new pork farms established in Asia increased by 9% in 2022, reflecting expanding demand
The percentage of pigs that are vaccinated against common diseases such as PRRS increased to 75% in 2022, improving herd health
The sustainability certifications for pork farms increased by 22% globally from 2019 to 2022, indicating industry commitment to eco-friendly practices
The use of artificial intelligence in feed formulation for pigs increased by 14% between 2020 and 2023, optimizing growth and feed efficiency
The incidence of zoonotic diseases in pork-producing regions decreased by 8% from 2019 to 2022 due to improved biosecurity measures
The global pork meat processing capacity grew by approximately 6% annually from 2018 to 2022, driven by technological advances
The percentage of pork farms using renewable energy sources increased to 18% in 2022, aligned with sustainability goals
The incidence of feed cost as a percentage of total pork production costs averaged about 65% in 2022, highlighting feed efficiency importance
The global pork industry is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2023 to 2028, indicating steady expansion

Industry Trends and Sustainability Interpretation

Despite facing disease outbreaks and industry consolidation, the pork sector’s tenacious embrace of automation, sustainability, and technological innovation—while navigating rising prices and a shifting consumer landscape—keeps it pigging along toward steady growth and global influence.

Market Size and Value

The global pork market was valued at approximately $263 billion in 2022
In 2022, the U.S. pork industry contributed around $23 billion to the country's economy
The number of hogs in the U.S. was approximately 73 million in 2022
The global swine vaccine market is projected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027, growing annually at about 6%
In 2022, the global organic pork market was valued at approximately $5 billion, with North America holding roughly 45% of the market share
The global market for pork-based processed meats is expected to reach $150 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4%
The global economic impact of African Swine Fever is estimated to exceed $20 billion since 2018, due to swine losses and trade disruptions
The global retail sales of pork products are projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand

Market Size and Value Interpretation

With a $263 billion global value and a resilient 73 million-strong US herd, the pork industry is both a vital economic player and a pork-filled tapestry of growth, health challenges, and consumer appetite that no one in the market can afford to smell as just a pig in the park.

Production and Consumption Statistics

China accounts for about 50% of the world's pork production
The United States produced approximately 12 million metric tons of pork in 2022
The average pork consumption per capita globally was 15.4 kg in 2022
Pork production in Europe accounts for approximately 25% of the global pork output
The United States is the world’s second-largest pork producer after China
The average carcass weight of market hogs in the U.S. was approximately 282 pounds in 2022
Approximately 75% of the world's pork is produced in Asia, primarily China
The top five pork-producing countries are China, European Union, United States, Brazil, and Russia
Pork constitutes about 40% of global meat consumption
The average Australian pork producer produces around 23,000 pigs annually
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) for pigs has improved to about 2.5:1 in 2022, meaning 2.5 pounds of feed for 1 pound of pork
The average age of market-ready pigs in the U.S. is approximately 6 months
Pork consumption per capita in Mexico increased by 12% from 2019 to 2022
Pork production in Vietnam increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia
The average number of piglets born per sow in the U.S. increased to 11.5 in 2022, up from 10.8 in 2019
The average slaughter age for pork in the U.S. is approximately 180 days, or about 6 months
The average farmgate price for live pigs in China was approximately 24 RMB per kg in 2022
The average weight of market hogs at slaughter globally is approximately 115 kg (253 lbs)

Production and Consumption Statistics Interpretation

With China commanding half of the world's pork and global per capita consumption reaching 15.4 kg, it's clear that while pigs are global citizens, the pork industry's heartbeat still largely drums to China's rhythm—proof that in the world of pork, size and taste truly do matter.

Trade and Export Data

Pork exports from the U.S. reached a record 7.3 billion pounds in 2022
China imported around 5 million metric tons of pork in 2022 to meet domestic demand
The U.S. is the largest exporter of processed pork products, with exports valued over $4 billion annually
The percentage of U.S. pork exports destined for Mexico increased by 5% from 2018 to 2022, making Mexico one of the top markets
The percentage of U.S. pork exports sent via refrigerated containers increased by 12% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting global demand for fresh products
In Brazil, pork exports increased by 11% in 2022, making it a major player in the global pork trade
The share of Asian markets in global pork imports increased by 4% from 2019 to 2022, driven by rising demand in developing countries

Trade and Export Data Interpretation

Amid surging global demand and record U.S. exports totaling 7.3 billion pounds in 2022, the pork industry is bacon-ing its way into international markets—highlighting America's meaty role while ensuring that consumers worldwide, from Mexico to Asia, continue to savor the flavor of fresh, processed pork, all shipped with refrigerated precision.