Germany's meat production in 2025 is projected to reach 6.9 million tonnes, a slight decrease of 0.2%.
According to preliminary figures from Destatis, meat production in Germany in 2025 will reach 6.9 million tonnes, a decrease of 15,400 tonnes compared to 2024. Meanwhile, pork volume continues to grow by 1.1%.
Meat production at German commercial slaughterhouses in 2025 is projected to reach 6.9 million tonnes, a slight decrease of 0.2% (approximately 15,400 tonnes) compared to 2024. These preliminary figures, released by the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), reflect market trends following a short-term recovery in the previous year.
Market developments and historical context
In 2025, slaughterhouses in Germany processed a total of approximately 48.5 million head of livestock (including pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses) and 697.3 million head of poultry (chickens, turkeys, and ducks). While 2024 production saw its first increase since 2016, the 2025 figures indicate that production levels remain significantly lower than their peak.
Specifically, production in 2025 has fallen by as much as 17% compared to the record level of 8.3 million tonnes set in 2016. This trend indicates a long-term contraction of the livestock industry in Europe's largest economy over the past decade.
A bright spot from the domestic pork industry.
Contrary to the overall industry decline, the volume of pork produced at German slaughterhouses recorded a 1.1% increase in 2025, reaching approximately 4.3 million tonnes. This growth, equivalent to 49,100 tonnes, was primarily driven by stable domestic supply.
The number of pigs sent to slaughter reached 44.9 million, an increase of 0.6% (approximately 259,700 pigs) compared to 2024. Notably, the number of domestically raised pigs slaughtered increased by 2%, reaching 44.1 million. Conversely, the number of imported pigs sent to German slaughterhouses saw a sharp decline of 43.3%, to only 759,200 pigs.
| Output Index 2025 | Value | Changes compared to 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total meat production | 6.9 million tons | -0.2% |
| Pork production | 4.3 million tons | +1.1% |
| Total number of pigs slaughtered | 44.9 million | +0.6% |
| Imported pigs for slaughter | 759,200 animals | -43.3% |
The sharp decline in imported pork reflects shifts in Germany's meat supply chain, as producers increasingly prioritize and rely on domestic livestock sources.
