How Big is the Canadian Pork Industry (2025 Update)

How Big is the Pork Industry in Canada? The Stats & Facts

Discover recent industry insights from the Canadian pork industry in this article.

The Canadian pork industry has navigated significant volatility in recent years, marked by shifting global demand, trade disputes, and domestic restructuring. Despite these challenges, the sector remains a cornerstone of Canada’s agricultural economy, contributing billions annually and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. Below are the latest stats and trends shaping the industry in 2025.

Key Statistics (2024 Updates)

1. Production and Consumption

Pork Production: Canada produced 2.3 million tonnes of pork in 2022, with similar volumes expected in 2024. Source
Per Capita Consumption: Pork consumption has reached an all-time high in 2024, driven by population growth and affordability compared to beef 410. However, per capita figures stabilized near 15–16 kg/year due to competitive protein markets. Source
Slaughter Numbers: Over 561,000 live hogs were exported to the U.S. for processing between January–April 2024 alone, a 34% increase from 2023 Source.

2. Economic Impact

Farm Cash Receipts: The hog sector generated $6.5 billion in 2022, supporting 31,000 farm jobs and 103,000 total jobs nationwide.
Exports: Pork exports accounted for two-thirds of production in 2022, valued at $4.9 billion, alongside 6.5 million live swine exports 11. The U.S. remains the largest importer of Canadian hogs (75% of global live hog trade). Source

3. Provincial Production

Top Producing Provinces: Quebec (31%), Ontario (26%), and Manitoba (24%) dominate, contributing 81% of national output 15.
Processing Capacity: Eastern Canada’s slaughter volumes fell 6.6% year-over-year (2024) due to plant closures, though profitability is rebounding post-restructuring.

4. Hog Farms and Trade

Number of Farms: ~7,600 hog farms operate in Canada, averaging 1,820 hogs per farm . Source
Trade Dynamics:
- Exports: The U.S. and Asia (Japan, South Korea) are key markets, with China’s share dropping to 13% of pork exports in 2024 from 31% in 2019. Source
- Imports: Canada supplements domestic demand with 252,000 tonnes of pork imports annually, primarily from the U.S. and Brazil. Source

Challenges and Opportunities in 2024

1. Market Volatility

U.S. Dependence: Live hog exports to the U.S. surged in 2024, but new Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations threaten to disrupt trade by increasing costs for Canadian suppliers.
Feed Costs: After peaking at 80% of producer revenues in 2023, feed costs (barley, corn) have declined to 63–65% of revenues, aligning with pre-pandemic norms.

2. Trade and Geopolitics

China’s Tariffs: Retaliatory tariffs on Canadian pork (e.g., on byproducts like feet and heads) persist, though diversification into Japan and Mexico has mitigated losses.
Domestic Demand: Companies like Olymel are pushing to increase Canadian pork consumption through value-added products (e.g., marinated meats).

Source

3. Innovation and Sustainability

Government Investment: The federal government pledged $10.6 million for swine research in 2024, focusing on GHG reduction, animal welfare, and antimicrobial resistance.
Processing Efficiency: Plant closures (e.g., Olymel’s Vallée-Jonction) have streamlined operations, though capacity remains below pre-2023 levels.

These all had a negative impact on the industry and the number of slaughter plants saw a decline in the past decade. The loss was as big as 8 slaughter plants across provinces. Ontario was hit the hardest, losing 5 plants between 2011 and 2021.

Federally inspected hog slaughter plants in Canada – 10-Year Comparison

Global Pork Industry

Which country produces the most pork?

China had almost 450 million pigs as of 2022, making it the top pork producer globally.

The European Union is the second largest pork producer in the world with nearly 140 million pigs.

The United States is the third largest pork industry in the world with around 74 million heads

(Source)

Which country eats the most pork?

China, like in previous years, remained the world’s largest consumer of pork in 2021. China’s consumption is anticipated to increase by 4.1% by 2022, reaching roughly 52 kg/person. (Source)

Also, check out our articles on:

How Big is the Canadian Meat Industry?

How Big is the US Meat Industry?

How Big is the US Poultry Industry?

How can Carlisle help?

Are you looking to expand your food plant operations or streamline your existing processes? We are the experts when it comes to food traceability not only in Canada but also in the United States. Our decades-long experience and stable market presence make us the perfect partner that you can trust when it comes to food traceability. Contact us today and speak to one of our industry experts to understand how we can become a growth partner for your meat processing operation.

Written by: Can Malay, SEO Specialist – Carlisle Technology