In 2025, the region’s swine industry demonstrated structural expansion, reaching historic highs in production, exports, and domestic consumption. Total output exceeded 9.5 million tonnes, up 4.6% year-on-year. Imports increased by 11.3% to nearly 2.3 million tonnes, while exports rose by 7.1% to 1.9 million tonnes. Total consumption reached approximately 10 million tonnes, 77% of which was supplied by domestic production.
Leading countries remain the key drivers of growth. Brazil strengthened its position as one of the world’s largest pork exporters, increasing production to 5.56 million tonnes and achieving a record export volume of 1.48 million tonnes. Mexico also recorded significant production growth to 1.92 million tonnes (+6%), alongside a sharp rise in imports, which supported the expansion of domestic consumption.
Argentina, Colombia, and Chile showed positive dynamics, largely driven by growing domestic demand. In Colombia, production exceeded 660,000 tonnes (+9.1%), while Chile maintained stable output with gradual strengthening of the domestic market. At the same time, Argentina continues to face a trade deficit due to rising imports.
Outlook for 2026 remains generally positive, with pork production in the region expected to reach 9.85 million tonnes. Brazil is set to further expand both production (to 5.7 million tonnes) and exports, particularly by strengthening its presence in Southeast Asian markets. In Mexico, domestic demand will remain the key growth driver, while Argentina is projected to increase production to 876,000 tonnes.
At the same time, the sector faces a number of significant challenges. Among the key risks is geopolitical instability, including potential escalation of conflicts that could drive up energy and input costs. This, in turn, would increase production costs due to higher feed, logistics, and fertilizer prices.
Additional pressure stems from currency volatility, inflation, and limited access to credit, all of which may constrain investment in production expansion. Meanwhile, sanitary risks — including the potential introduction of African swine fever (ASF) into the region and the spread of endemic diseases such as PRRS — remain a major source of uncertainty.
Thus, despite the continued upward trend, the further development of Latin America’s swine industry in 2026 will largely depend on producers’ ability to adapt to external challenges. Effective cost management, investment in biosecurity, and improved operational efficiency will be critical to maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
PigUA.info, based on materials from pig333.com