China, the European Union and Brazil were placed as the largest pork producers in 2023 and will remain so in 2024, according to forecasts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA).

At the top, China produced 57 million 940,000 tons in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.6 percent.

The European Union ranked second with 20 million 800,000 tons, followed by Brazil with 4 million 450,000 tons.

Other major producers were Russia, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines.

Pork producers

Pork is the most important source of animal protein for the Chinese and has long dominated national meat consumption in China.

Swine can be divided into two main groups, breeding swine and commercial swine.

According to Zhengye Biotechnology, from the supply side of the pork consumption market, China’s pork production was 53 million tons in 2021, accounting for 44.09% of the world’s pork production, ranking first in the world.

From the demand side of the pork consumption market, China’s pork consumption accounts for about 46% of world pork consumption, and per capita pork consumption is about twice that of world per capita pork consumption.

World production

The USDA forecasts world production to fall at a 1% year-over-year rate in 2024, to 115.6 million tons, as lower production in China more than offsets increased production in the European Union, the United States, and Brazil.

Also, USDA forecasts China’s pork production to be 3% lower, at an estimated 56.0 million tons, as persistently low prices in 2023 triggered industry consolidation.

Finally, projected EU pork production will increase 2% year over year to 21.2 million tons.

High piglet and carcass prices incentivized producers to start rebuilding the sow herd in late 2023 and will lead to a 2% higher pig crop in 2024.