Germany’s live pig imports fall 2% as slaughter pig shipments decline

GERMANY – Germany imported approximately 5.22 million live pigs between January and June 2026, marking a 2% decrease compared with the corresponding period in 2025, according to data released by the German Pig Farmers’ Association (ISN).

The overall decline was largely driven by a significant reduction in slaughter pig imports, while piglet imports remained relatively stable during the six-month period.

Germany imported around 4.87 million piglets during the first half of the year, representing a modest 1% decline compared with the same period last year.

In contrast, imports of slaughter-ready pigs dropped 13.9% to approximately 350,000 animals, extending the long-term downward trend in live pig deliveries for slaughter into the German market.

The reduction in slaughter pig imports was mainly attributed to lower shipments from the Netherlands and Belgium, Germany’s two largest suppliers in this category.

The Netherlands supplied about 260,000 slaughter pigs during the period, a decline of 9.8% compared with the first half of 2025, while imports from Belgium fell 27.1% to around 50,000 animals.

Germany also received fewer slaughter pigs from Denmark and France than during the corresponding period last year.

Denmark strengthens position in piglet market

Piglet imports showed varying trends depending on the supplying country, with Denmark further strengthening its position as Germany’s largest supplier.

Deliveries from Denmark increased 0.3% to approximately 3.7 million piglets, reinforcing its leading role in supplying German pig finishing farms.

Meanwhile, piglet imports from the Netherlands declined 6.6% to about 1.13 million animals during the first six months of the year.

Germany’s export performance was mixed over the same period, reflecting differing trends across livestock categories.

Piglet exports declined sharply by 22.4% to around 400,000 animals, while exports of slaughter pigs increased 1.9% to approximately 370,000 animals shipped to neighbouring countries.

The latest figures indicate that Germany’s live pig trade continues to shift, with demand for imported slaughter pigs weakening while piglet imports remain comparatively stable, supported primarily by Danish suppliers.

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