Global pork trade is becoming increasingly fragmented and regionally diversified, Rabobank analysts note in the World Pork Map 2026 report. At the same time, animal health risks, trade policies and geopolitical tensions are adding further uncertainty to international product flows.
Global pork trade peaked in 2020–2021, when volumes reached around 12 million tonnes. China was the main driver of this growth: a major outbreak of African swine fever sharply reduced domestic production and forced the country to increase imports to record levels.
In 2022–2023, as Chinese production recovered, a correction followed and global trade declined to just under 10 million tonnes. Volumes have since stabilised but have not returned to their previous peak.
China’s Share Has Nearly Halved
China’s pork imports have fallen significantly from their 2020–2021 highs.
Rabobank attributes this to the recovery of domestic production, slower growth in consumer demand amid weaker macroeconomic conditions, and a gradual shift in dietary preferences towards poultry and beef.
As a result, China’s share of global pork imports fell from 43% in 2021 to 23% in 2025. The decline was particularly pronounced in imports of pork meat itself.
Mexico Becomes the World’s Largest Pork Importer
As China’s role weakens, other markets are becoming increasingly important.
Mexico has become the world’s largest importer of pork meat, excluding offal. Demand for imports is being supported by constraints on domestic production.
At the same time, Southeast Asian countries are also increasing their purchases. In particular, the Philippines and Vietnam are importing more pork due to pig disease challenges and insufficient domestic supply.
The redistribution of global demand is creating additional opportunities primarily for the United States, Canada and Brazil, which are strengthening their positions in these markets.
Thus, instead of relying on one dominant buyer, global pork trade is increasingly being shaped by a broader group of importers. For exporters, this means having to compete across several markets simultaneously and respond more quickly to changes in demand, veterinary restrictions and trade policy.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com