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The 2026 pig crop is forecast to be largely unchanged at 19.61 million head as improved sow production rates offset low beginning stocks. The 2025 pig crop is forecast to be 1% lower than 2024.
Pork production is expected to remain at the same level as 2025 given similar slaughter rates. Although robust domestic demand has supported domestic producers, animal diseases have limited expansion potential. For 2025, production is anticipated to reach 1,430,000 MT, down by 1.7% from the previous year.
Pork imports are expected to stay flat in 2026 at 705,000 MT, following forecasts of stable domestic pork production and consumption. High global pork prices and supply shortages put downward pressure on 2025 Korean pork imports, so if those trends continue in 2026, there could be some declines.
Pork consumption in 2026 is expected to be 2,122,000 MT, staying at a similar level to the 2025 estimate (2,144,000 MT). For decades, pork has been the top source of animal protein for Korean consumers. The population consumed an estimated 30 kg of pork per person in 2024. The figure is nearly double the consumption of chicken (15.2 kg) or beef (14.9 kg). It represents a 6.8% increase compared to the average consumption of 28.1 kg over the past five years (2019-2023), showing the continued rise in consumer preference for pork.
November 20, 2025/ USDA/ United States.
https://apps.fas.usda.gov
