Croatia's Pig Farming Sector Faces Sharp Decline Amid Surging Imports and Trade Deficit

Strategic Insights -

Croatia's pig farming sector is struggling due to a significant decline in domestic production, leading to a sharp increase in pork imports and a widening trade deficit. According to a recent analysis by the Zagreb Institute of Economics, pig numbers have dropped from 1.49 million in 2006 to 874,000 in 2024. This decline has resulted in a severe shortage of pork in the domestic market, forcing consumers to rely on imports. In 2024, pork imports were valued at €341.5 million, nearly nine times higher than exports, leaving a negative trade balance of €303 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of pigs in Croatia dropped from 1.49 million in 2006 to 874,000 in 2024, a decline of 41%.
  • Pork imports in 2024 were nearly nine times higher than exports, valued at €341.5 million compared to €38.1 million in exports.
  • The negative trade balance of the pork industry in 2024 was €303 million.
  • Pork accounts for almost 60% of total meat consumption in Croatia.
  • The spread of African swine fever (ASF) since 2023 has further damaged the sector.
  • High feed costs, lack of slaughterhouse capacity, limited access to land, and competition from questionable imports are major challenges facing Croatian pig farmers.
  • Croatia can recover from this decline by strengthening biosecurity, resolving issues over state farmland, modernising production, boosting slaughterhouse capacity, raising purchase prices, and supporting farmer education and cooperation.

Statistics:

  • 41% decline in pig numbers in Croatia from 2006 to 2024.
  • €341.5 million value of pork imports in 2024.
  • €38.1 million value of pork exports in 2024 (compared to imports).
  • €303 million negative trade balance of pork industry in 2024.
  • 60% of total meat consumption in Croatia is pork.

Sources:

  • Zagreb Institute of Economics (EIZ)
  • (Hina) rml