Which country consumes 50% of the world's pork?

China’s Pork Appetite: A Hogging of Global Consumption

China’s love affair with pork is no secret. The country’s voracious appetite for the meat has been a driving force in global markets for years. In 2024, that dominance is expected to reach unprecedented levels, with China projected to consume a staggering 58.1 million tonnes of pork, representing over half the world’s total.

This phenomenal consumption stems from a confluence of factors:

• Cultural Significance: Pork holds a central place in Chinese cuisine, featuring prominently in countless dishes and considered a staple protein source.
• Growing Demand: With a rapidly expanding middle class, per capita pork consumption continues to climb, fueled by increasing disposable incomes and a desire for high-quality protein.
• African Swine Fever: The devastating outbreak of African Swine Fever in 2018 decimated China’s pig population, driving up prices and creating a massive demand gap. Although the country has made significant strides in rebuilding its pig herd, the impact of the outbreak continues to be felt.

While China’s pork consumption dwarfs all others, the European Union and the United States follow closely, accounting for substantial but significantly smaller portions of global pork consumption. These regions, however, are expected to experience more modest growth in pork consumption compared to the explosive growth witnessed in China.

China’s dominance in the global pork market carries significant implications for both producers and consumers.

• Price Volatility: China’s demand fluctuations can exert substantial pressure on global pork prices, impacting producers worldwide.
• Trade Dynamics: China’s massive imports and exports significantly impact the global trade landscape, influencing production and distribution strategies across the globe.
• Environmental Concerns: The sheer scale of China’s pork production raises concerns about environmental sustainability, with potential impacts on resource use and greenhouse gas emissions.

As the global population continues to grow and dietary preferences evolve, understanding China’s pork consumption patterns will be increasingly crucial for navigating the future of the global meat market. The country’s position as the world’s largest pork consumer presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful consideration of its impact on global trade, environmental sustainability, and food security.