German Pork Self-Sufficiency Falls to 80% for Premium Cuts
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Bonn – September 15, 2026 -- Germany's widely cited 135% pork self-sufficiency rate masks a shortfall of roughly 20% in premium cuts such as loins, fillets and ham, according to the Bundesverband Rind und Schwein e.V.
Premium cuts make up only 60% of the carcass, and domestic supply falls short
A pig carcass yields so-called "Edelteile" -- loins, fillets and ham -- for roughly 60% of total weight, while the remainder consists of fatty and bacon-heavy cuts along with heads, feet and other trimmings. Market experts estimate the self-sufficiency rate for premium cuts alone sits at approximately 80%, meaning the remaining domestic demand must be covered through imports.