Global number of pigs 2012-2024

Pigs are one of the most commonly raised animals in the world. They are the primary protein source for millions of people across numerous different cultures and geographical regions. In 2023, there were over 778 million pigs worldwide, decreasing from around 784 million heads in the previous year.

International trade

Although China produces the highest number of pigs of any country, the European Union leads the world in terms of pork exports, exporting over 3.7 million metric tons of pork in 2023. The United States is the second largest exporter of pork, at about three million metric tons.

Consumption in China

Pork features heavily in a large number of traditional Chinese dishes, and thus is widely consumed and sought after in China. As China continues to prosper and expand economically, the amount of meat in the daily meals of consumers in China is expected to increase. There is a high level of demand for pork in China, which cannot be satisfied by domestic production. In 2023, China is forecast to import 2.2 million metric tons of pork, making it the top importer of pork as well as the top producer.