In the first half of 2025, Germany managed to slightly increase its total pork exports, a notable achievement given a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak earlier in the year. The growth was driven by a strong performance within the European Union, which helped to offset a sharp decline in exports to countries outside the bloc.
From January to June 2025, Germany’s total pork and by-product exports rose by 1.6% compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a slight recovery in foreign trade. The most significant growth was seen in intra-EU deliveries, which increased by 6.5%. This positive trend highlights the European Union’s crucial role as Germany’s main trading partner. The EU now accounts for 86.3% of all German pork exports.
The primary destinations for German pork within the EU are Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland, all of which increased their import volumes in the first half of the year. This stable demand from European neighbors was key to mitigating the losses experienced elsewhere.
FMD outbreak hits exports to third countries
In stark contrast, Germany’s exports to countries outside the EU fell by over 20%. This collapse was a direct result of the FMD outbreak in January 2025, which led to temporary export bans to non-EU nations. While the situation has since stabilized, the negative impact on trade with third countries is still evident.
Positive outlook for the second half of 2025
Despite the challenges, the outlook for the second half of 2025 remains positive. Industry experts anticipate a slight increase in overall pork production for the year. Assuming there are no further disruptions to international trade, export figures are expected to surpass last year’s levels, continuing the recovery trend and reinforcing Germany’s position as a key player in the European pork market.
