The start of 2026 confirms the prominence of Asian markets as the main destinations for Portuguese exports, with China assuming the lead in terms of volume in pork sales.

Data for January point to a reversal of the trend seen in recent years. With the exception of 2019 — when China clearly led among non-EU destinations — Angola has consistently held the top position.

In 2025, the Angolan market represented 25% of the value of Portuguese pork exports, reaching €14.6 million. China ranked second, with a value of €8.8 million, and Cape Verde completed the top three with €6.9 million.

In 2026, based on January data, China leads in export volume with 556 tonnes, followed by Angola with 414 tonnes and the Philippines with 391 tonnes.

In terms of value, Japan leads with €811,000, corresponding to an average price of €3.82 per kilogram exported. It is followed by China, with a total value of €764,000, and Angola, with €688,000.

(Source: Agroportal, on 13 April)