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France: Decrease in pig slaughter

For twelve consecutive months, the volume of pigs slaughtered has declined dramatically.

Slaughter in France experienced a significant decrease in the first three months of 2023 compared to previous years. For twelve consecutive months, volumes declined considerably (-3.3% in volume and -2.4% in the number of heads). For almost two years now, slaughter volumes in France have been falling, following the decrease in the pig herd. Given the still unfavorable weather conditions and also the effects of inflation on consumption, French domestic demand remains rather sluggish at this stage.

In the first two months of 2023, export volumes of fresh, chilled, or frozen pork from France decreased by 15% or 12 thousand tonnes compared to the same period in 2022. Exports to other EU member states decreased by 15% (-8 thousand t); in particular to Italy, the leading destination (-3%, -1 thousand t) and also to third countries (-15%, -4 thousand t), in particular to China (-20%, -2 thousand t). Exports to this country remain fragile, given the development of local production and competition from the United States and Brazil. Imports from France (largely of EU origin, and mainly from Spain) decreased by 3% (-2 thousand t). Non-EU imports also decreased, mainly from the United Kingdom (-38%, -2 thousand t).