Global Pork Markets 2026: Stability, Trade Adjustments, and Regional Shifts

The latest edition of Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade, published in December by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides an initial snapshot of global pork market expectations for 2026. Overall, the outlook suggests relative stability in production, accompanied by moderate adjustments in trade flows.

Global Market Indicators

According to the report, global pork production in 2026 is projected at 117.2 million tonnes, representing marginal growth compared with 2025. Global exports are expected to decline slightly, while imports and apparent consumption are forecast to increase modestly, reflecting steady global demand despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Key Country Developments

China is expected to maintain stable production levels while slightly increasing imports. The European Union is forecast to see lower production and a notable decline in exports. The United States is projected to hold production steady while increasing export volumes. Growth is anticipated in Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam, and Canada, each showing different balances between production expansion and trade adjustments. Japan is expected to remain one of the world’s largest pork importers.

Outlook

The 2026 projections point to a global pork market characterized by stability rather than expansion, with trade flows adjusting to regional production dynamics, consumption patterns, and competitive positioning.