Concerns for Irish pigmeat were outlined today (Friday, January 16) at the Bord Bia Meat Marketing Seminar by Pigmeat and Poultry Executive Shauna Jager, who spoke of a contracting European market and pricing challenges.

She said 2025 was defined by "strong throughput, but also strong price pressure as well".

Irish pig supply in 2025 was 3% higher than 2024, with 3,352,367 pigs being processed. Live export trade with Northern Ireland strengthened by 9%, with 437,000 live pigs exported cross-border during the year.

Pricing

Jager outlined that on the pricing side, things were more challenging.

The average Irish price per kilo in 2025 was €1.99/kg, a significant drop from 2024's €2.10/kg, "putting farm margins under pressure", she said.

The EU average followed a similar trend, dropping down to €1.92/kg in 2025 from €2.09/kg in 2024.

"Irish prices have remained ahead of the EU average for the majority of last year, but that gap in the latter half of the year has narrowed as both markets have come under sustained pressure," she added.

Exports

Jager revealed a value decline in pigmeat exports due to lower prices while volume increases.

The pigmeat export performance saw a 3% increase in the total volume exported, totalling just over 205,000t, with a total value decline also of 3%.

"This reflects that broader competitive challenge we are seeing in export markets," she explained.

The UK remains Irelands main importer of pigmeat at €167 million, which is an 8% increase year-on-year.

There was "really strong growth" in the Oceania market, "more than doubling in value last year to €47 million", according to Jager.

"On the other hand, exports to the EU fell sharply by 20% to €83 million, and North America also contracted by 17%."

European market

Across Europe, Jager said that "feed-related costs have eased, thanks to a good harvest, but the disease-related disruptions are really what are continuing to complicate the supply."

Disease challenges has escalated Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome(PRRS), and African Swine Fever (ASF), with restrictions in Spain particularly of note.

"Longer term, the EU is expected to see a significant contraction of about 12 million fewer pigs by 2030," she said.

One additional factor to keep an eye on, she warned, is around policy, as the animal welfare transport proposal "could add around €7/pig, which is a substantial cost and would really influence those production decisions in the EU market".

Global competitors

Brazil continues to stand out as a global competitor, having increased its market share from 12% to 15% in 2025.

China's pigmeat production has increased by 1.8%, reaching approximately 58 million tonnes, over-supplying the market, pushing down prices.

"At the same time, those geopolitical tensions are ongoing between the US, the EU and China, continuing to influence that trade through tariffs as well."

She noted that the Chinese government had taken measures to reduce their sow herd by 2.5%, but in reality the actual reduction is in and around 0.4% at the minute."

Domestic market

The domestic market performance for pigmeat in Ireland had "a really solid year" with growth in value and volume, according to Jager.

This was caused by a shift in consumer behaviour, with pigmeat starting to benefit "as it delivers on value for money and versatility for consumers".

Bord Bia's 2026 outlook on pigmeat was summed up by Jager with the following:

There will be continued margin pressure despite there being a stable supply;
Brazil’s growth and China’s reduced import needs will further intensify global competition;
EU sow herd projected to decline 1.6%, with longer-term contraction of 12 million pigs by 2030;
Global trade remains volatile for pigmeat.

Bord Bia is planning on rolling out promotional activities in Ireland relating to pigmeat in order to build on last year's momentum.