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Portugal: Imports of pigs for slaughter on the rise

The import of pigs for slaughter increased by 9.6% and meat and meat product imports increased by 3.9% in the first quarter of 2024.

The import of pigs for slaughter increased by 9.6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, going from 224,318 head last year to 245,751 head this year. Total weight increased by 11.6%, from 23,755 tons (average weight 105.9 kg) in 2023 to 26,466 tons (average weight 107.7 kg) this year. More pigs and heavier pigs came in 2024, which has been a trend over the last two or three years in terms of average pig weight.

Imports of pork and pork products increased by 3.9%, going from 24,083 tons in 2023 to 25,016 tons in 2024. There was a 5.4% increase in frozen meat (6,750 tons to 6,889 tons). In fresh/chilled meats there was a 6.7% increase (16,996 tons to 17,813 tons). There was a 12.1% reduction in offal (337 tons to 314 tons).