2022-23 Economic Contribution of the Australian Pork Industry

APL commissioned analysis to better understand the contribution of the pork industry to Australia’s economy.

Independent advisory company, ACIL Allen, used input-output multiplier analysis to assess the industry’s economic contribution to gross domestic product, household income and employment for the 2022-23 year. 

The report presents direct and indirect contributions at national, state and regional levels and shows the potential for increased contribution if pork imports were replaced by supply from domestic producers.

A supplementary case study was also developed (Contributing to a sustainable planet – biogas), illustrating an area of industry contribution to sustainability and regional economies while highlighting opportunities for further implementation. 

The analysis confirms the importance of the pork industry to Australia’s regional economies, generating considerable economic activity and jobs. The results highlight increased value and sustainable growth of the Australian pork industry over time. 

Key report findings include: 

• The pork industry contributed more than $6 billion in added value to the Australian economy for 2022-23;
• The industry supports more than 34,600 full-time equivalent jobs across Australia; 
• The activities of the industry contributed $3 billion in household income in 2022-23; 
• In a typical regional community, pig production makes a contribution of $5,400 per sow to the local economy. If the community also contains a primary processing facility, then the economic contribution made per sow rises to $7,708 for each animal. 21 FTE jobs are created for every 1000 sows and this number rises to 36 jobs per 1000 sows in areas that also have a primary processing facility.
• If domestic producers were able to competitively replace imports and fully supply domestic demand, the industry’s total contribution to gross domestic product and full-time equivalent employment would increase by 20%.

The project provides updated information to inform stakeholders of the valuable impact and contribution made by producers and the supply chain.