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In 2023, French pig production recorded a sharp 5% drop compared to the previous year, to around 22 million head, 1.5 million less than in 2022. This reduction is due to the continued contraction of the French pig herd, a trend that has been observed for more than twenty years. At the same time, the average carcass weight has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, which has helped to partially offset the decline in the number of head slaughtered. The Grand Ouest region, which accounts for 79% of national slaughter, has seen a significant decline in slaughterings, with a notable drop in Brittany and Pays de la Loire.
The pig price remained above €2/kg in 2023, reaching an average of €2.27/kg, 19.6% higher than in 2022. This increase occurred in the context of strong demand and limited supply, both in France and throughout Europe. Pig herd reduction has also intensified in several EU countries, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands, increasing pressure on markets. Although the cost of pig feed has decreased slightly compared to 2022, it remains at high levels as a result of variations in world cereal and oilseed prices, influenced by international factors.
Pork exports declined for the second consecutive year, down 7.5% in volume in 2023, mostly to China, where local production has recovered from the African swine fever crisis. Pork imports, although down 5.8%, remained essential to meet domestic demand, with important contributions from Spain and Italy. The trade balance showed an increasing deficit, going from -0.365 million euros in 2022 to -0.551 million euros in 2023.
Pork consumption has also decreased in France, with an average of 30.6 kg per capita in 2023, down 3.9% from the previous year. This trend is in line with a change in eating habits, marked by a growing preference for poultry meat. Although domestic production is sufficient to cover domestic demand, the self-sufficiency rate has fallen from 107.3% in 2020 to 100% in 2023, indicating weakening production relative to domestic consumption.
October 3, 2024/ Agreste/ France.
http://agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr
