Production & Imports

Domestic production – Belgium is among five EU countries that still produce foie gras. Production is confined to a handful of family farms in Wallonia. Ferme de la Sauvenière raises 12 000 ducks annually and slaughters on site, using hand‑feeding to enlarge the livers[12][7]. Ferme d’Upignac in Upigny makes raw, semi‑cooked and au torchon foie gras, emphasising traditional craftsmanship[13]. Domestic production amounted to about 26 t in 2019[2] and 13 t in 2024[3], all from ducks. Imports and exports – With limited output, Belgium relies heavily on imports. The 2019 Sillon Belge piece states that Belgium imported 1,200 t of raw foie gras that year[2]. WITS data for 2023 show imports of 193 t of fresh or chilled fatty livers worth US$7.9 million, while exports were just 122 t[4][5]. Market research suggests that the main suppliers are the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the UK and Spain[6], though Hungarian and French producers dominate global supply. Imports include raw lobes for restaurants and semi‑cooked or canned foie gras for retail; no official data exist for processed imports[2]. Re‑export and secondary processing – Belgium acts as a modest re‑export hub. According to WITS, Belgian exports of raw fatty livers in 2023 were about 122 t[5]. Some imported lobes are processed by local producers (e.g., Upignac) into terrines and blocks for domestic sale and export to neighbouring countries. Effect of production bans – In July 2018 Flanders decided to ban fur farming and force‑feeding for foie gras by December 2023[14]. A December 2022 article in The Brussels Times confirmed that from 1 January 2023 Flanders became force‑feeding free as the last foie‑gras company ceased the practice[15]. The Brussels-Capital Region prohibited force‑feeding in 2017[16]. As a result, production persists only in Wallonia. Activist group GAIA estimates that around 25,000 ducks are force‑fed each year by the seven Walloon producers[17]. GAIA launched legal action against the Walloon region in 2023 to force a ban[18]. Despite these bans, consumption continues because imports remain legal; there is no prohibition on sale or consumption. Bans appear to have little effect on volume so far but raise public awareness and could increase costs.

Bulgaria’s foie‑gras consumption is tightly linked to its export‑oriented production system. Production, almost entirely from ducks[1], averages ~2.6 thousand tonnes per year[2] and ranks second or third globally[13]. The industry uses millions of ducks and involves about 70 enterprises and eight specialized slaughterhouses[12]. According to Compassion in World Farming, 88 % of Bulgaria’s foie‑gras output is exported to France[5]; InteliAgro adds that raw, prepared or canned liver is exported almost entirely to France, Belgium and Spain, giving Bulgaria about 20 % of world exports of raw duck liver[14]. A 2023 analysis by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce notes that the country holds 36.7 % of world exports of duck liver[6]. These data imply that domestic consumption relies on the domestic supply and there is virtually no need for imports. Trade statistics confirm that the lion’s share of Bulgarian meat exports (commodity group 02) goes to France—about 34 % in 2023[15]—and primarily consists of poultry meat and offal[16]. Conversely, Bulgarian imports of goose or duck liver are negligible. Because production remains legal, there is no ban driving a black market; thus consumption persisted unaltered. If an EU‑wide ban on force‑feeding were introduced, Bulgarian producers fear it would devastate exports; this concern prompted them to lobby against a proposed ban in 2012[17]. For now, Bulgaria continues to export most of its production, and domestic consumption remains a by‑product of an export‑driven sector.

Domestic production vs imports. As noted, Canada produces about 80 tonnes of foie gras (roughly 200 000 ducks) per year[2]. Production is concentrated in Quebec; there are about ten producers, but only three are export‑approved[1]. Rougié’s Marieville facility supplies both the domestic restaurant market and the United States, and its duck livers weigh around 650 g[8]. Hudson Valley Farms (a subsidiary of Hudson Valley Foie Gras, U.S.) operates a site in Saint‑Louis‑de‑Gonzague, Quebec, producing livers for export to the United States and domestic clients. Imports. About 20 tonnes of foie gras are imported annually, mainly frozen duck livers and processed products from Hungary and France[1]. Imports are constrained by Canada’s supply‑management system and high tariffs on poultry products[9], as well as sanitary requirements. The imported product enters mostly through gourmet retailers and specialty distributors catering to restaurants. Re‑export and secondary processing. Canada is not a major re‑exporter. Canadian producers export their foie gras to the United States – Rougié exports more than half its sales to the U.S. market[10] – but imported Hungarian or French livers are consumed domestically. There is no evidence of significant secondary processing for export. Persistence during bans. Production remains legal in Canada, and there is no ban on domestic production. A House of Commons petition filed in 2025 calls on the federal government to ban force‑feeding and prohibit the sale and import of foie gras produced in this manner[11], but as of January 2026 there has been no legislative change. Imports may be temporarily suspended during avian‑influenza outbreaks, which reduces supply and raises prices, but consumption resumes once restrictions are lifted. Canada’s high tariffs and supply management also limit imports[9].

China’s foie gras consumption is largely met by domestic production. Linqu County and Huoqiu County alone produce over 5 000 tonnes each year[1][2]. Additional output comes from smaller producers in Shandong, Anhui and Sichuan. Imports are negligible: China recorded no imports of fresh or chilled fatty goose/duck livers in 2024[4] and imported just 13 kg of prepared animal livers[5]. Import restrictions linked to avian‑flu outbreaks in Europe and high tariffs make foreign foie gras expensive. French foie gras producers nonetheless hope to enter China; in 2025 the French industry group CIFOG promoted its products at the China International Import Expo, but analysts warned that intense local competition and price sensitivity posed challenges[11]. Export volumes are also small. World Bank data indicate that China exported about 335 tonnes of fresh or chilled fatty livers in 2024, mainly to Hong Kong, Macao and Cambodia[3]. Some producers ship small tins (100 g) to the Middle East[7] and occasionally to Japan or Australia, but the domestic market remains their focus. The negligible import figures and modest exports suggest that most of the 5 000‑plus tonnes produced each year are consumed within China.

No domestic production. Croatian animal‑welfare law bans force‑feeding of birds[1], and there is no evidence of legal foie gras production using alternative methods. As a result, all foie gras consumed in Croatia is imported. Import sources. Trade data show that Hungary is Croatia’s largest supplier of duck and goose offal, shipping over 49 t in 2023[2]. Bulgaria, Austria, France and Italy each exported 1–10 t to Croatia in that year[2]. The 6WResearch report notes that Slovenia, Poland and Bosnia‑Herzegovina are also key suppliers[3]. Many of these imports are frozen livers or prepared foie gras terrines, though exact breakdowns between raw livers and processed products are unavailable. There is no evidence that Croatia re‑exports foie gras; the market is purely consumption‑oriented. Effect of the production ban. Because Croatia never had a significant foie‑gras industry, the force‑feeding ban’s main effect is to limit local production and emphasise imports. Prices remain high because foie gras must travel from neighbouring countries, but the ban does not appear to have suppressed demand among those who can afford it.

Domestic production and bans. The Czech Animal Protection Law 1992 defines force‑feeding as cruelty to animals[13]. As a result, commercial foie gras production using gavage is banned. A handful of local farms reportedly experiment with more “ethical” methods, but volumes are negligible; in 2024 the country exported only 76 kg of fresh/chilled fatty liver to Slovakia[14]. Thus domestic output does not meet national demand. Import reliance and sources. Consumption is almost entirely supplied by imports. WITS data show that the majority of fresh/chilled fatty livers imported in 2024 came from Hungary, France, Bulgaria and Poland[1]. Hungary supplied most of the volume in earlier years[2], while France has increased its share. For prepared liver products (HS 160220), Belgium, Austria, France, Poland and the Slovak Republic were the top suppliers in 2024[4]. Imports include whole livers and processed products (pâtés, terrines, mousses). There is no evidence of significant re‑export; the small export figure likely represents boutique sales to neighbouring Slovakia[14]. Impact of the production ban. Banning force‑feeding eliminated domestic production but did not affect consumption because imports remained legal[15]. Imported foie gras fills the domestic market, and there is little political push to restrict imports. Ethical concerns, however, are increasingly discussed, and some consumers look for “free‑range” or ethically produced foie gras[16].

Domestic production. Finland forbids force‑feeding geese or ducks. The Finnish Wikipedia article notes that “Hanhenmaksan kasvattaminen pakkoruokkimalla on kielletty” (raising geese for foie gras using force‑feeding is prohibited)[7]. The Hauhalan Hanhifarmi farm produces “light” goose livers without force feeding; they explain that their geese are not force‑fed and the liver becomes fatty naturally during autumn[4]. The livers weigh 150–300 g and are sorted into “dark,” “light” and “medium‑light” categories[4]. Hauhalan also produces goose liver pate and mousse[5]. Production is small‑scale and not comparable to French or Hungarian foie gras factories. Imports. Because production by force feeding is banned, Finland relies on imports to satisfy demand for classic foie gras. A 2012 Yle news article notes that in many European countries, including Finland, force feeding of geese and ducks is prohibited, but importation of foie gras is not[8]. UN Comtrade data show that Finland imported 35 kg of fresh or chilled fatty goose/duck livers in 2019[1]. Imports likely originate from France and Hungary, which dominate global production, though Finnish customs data do not disaggregate the partner countries at this volume. Specialty retailers (Finlandia Caviar) sell tins of French foie gras weighing 75 g[2], and the supermarket chain K‑Ruoka carries Rougié canned foie gras[3]. These products show that imports consist of preserved tins or blocks, not whole raw livers. There is no evidence of re‑exporting; Finland is an end consumer. Effect of the ban on production. The ban on force feeding has meant there is no industrial foie gras sector in Finland. Instead, domestic farms produce small amounts of naturally fatty liver, and consumption is served by imported tins. The ban did not generate large controversies because consumption volumes were already low. Imports remain legal and are available for those willing to pay high prices.

France produces most of the foie gras it consumes. In 2021 domestic output was 12,320 tonnes with 3,420 tonnes exported to Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Japan; imports amounted to 2,620 tonnes and were mainly raw ducks’ livers from Bulgaria and Hungary for secondary processing[12]. By 2023 production had fallen to 7,740 tonnes and exports to 2,825 tonnes, while imports hovered around 2,700 tonnes—again mostly raw livers—so that French processors could maintain supply[2]. Due to the avian‑flu crisis, between 2016 and 2023 domestic consumption dropped to around 9,000 tonnes and the market balance turned negative, forcing France to rely more on Eastern European producers[13]. Exports resumed as vaccination against bird flu became effective: Reuters reported that in 2024 output rose 20 % to roughly 10,000 tonnes[11], and trade press expected the supply to exceed 13,000 tonnes in 2024[5]. CIFOG officials emphasised that about 40 % of foie gras sold in France is consumed in restaurants, with the remainder sold through supermarkets for home consumption[11]. Imports consist mainly of raw or semi‑processed livers used by French producers for processing; the finished products are rarely re‑exported. France also exports high‑end foie gras products to Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Japan[12].

No domestic production. Hong Kong has almost no livestock agriculture; about 95 % of food is imported[2]. Local production of foie gras is absent due to limited agricultural land and animal‑welfare concerns, so consumption depends completely on imports. Main suppliers. The global foie gras trade is dominated by France, Hungary and Spain, and these countries are widely believed to supply most of Hong Kong’s foie gras. The USDA’s Retail Foods Annual notes France among Hong Kong’s top suppliers of consumer‑oriented foods[2]. A Chinese company, Sanrougey Fowls, exports roughly three‑quarters of its foie gras to hotels in Hong Kong and mainland China[10], suggesting that China also supplies significant quantities. Classic Fine Foods, Repertoire Culinaire and Caviar House & Prunier are major importers offering French and Hungarian products, including terrines and whole livers[11][9]. Types of imports and re‑exports. Imports arrive as whole livers (fresh or frozen), vacuum‑packed terrines and pâtés, and processed slices. Some products are repackaged locally for retail. Hong Kong’s role as a free‑port means that a portion of imported foie gras may be re‑exported to Macau or mainland China through luxury distributors, though there are no published figures. Mislabeling and enforcement. Hong Kong does not ban foie gras import or sale, but the Trade Descriptions Ordinance prohibits misleading labels. In December 2023 customs seized 474 packets of duck and goose liver products labelled incorrectly and arrested a retailer[4]. In October and November 2024 retailers and wholesalers were fined HK$30,000–45,000 for selling Chinese duck liver labeled as “Hungarian goose liver”[12][5]. These enforcement actions show that the product is sufficiently common in retail channels to warrant regulation.

Dominance of domestic production. Hungary’s foie gras consumption relies almost entirely on home‑grown supply. The country is the first producer of goose foie gras[1] and a major producer of duck foie gras. Corporate websites describe long‑standing production traditions dating back to the 15th century and highlight modern slaughterhouses with international certifications[17]. Companies such as Integrál Zrt. and Liver Ltd. breed and process hundreds of thousands of geese and ducks annually for domestic and export markets[18][19]. Exports vs imports. Trade data show that export volumes far exceed imports. In 2024, Hungary exported 8.1 million kg of fatty livers and imported only around 7,500 kg (mostly from Belgium and Bulgaria)[9]. The main destination is France, which alone purchased 5.07 million kg[9], followed by Belgium (2.61 million kg), Slovakia and Austria. These exports are mostly whole livers or deveined livers destined for French processing and global distribution. Imports are negligible, suggesting Hungarian consumers rarely rely on foreign supply. Re‑export and secondary processing. Some Hungarian companies operate processing facilities in Rungis market near Paris to handle distribution[20]. However, there is little evidence of Hungary acting as a re‑export hub; rather, the country is a net exporter. The minimal imports likely reflect specific quality requirements or seasonal shortages. Effect of bans in other countries. Hungary continues to produce foie gras despite bans in many EU countries. The Eurogroup for Animals notes that only France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain and Wallonia still permit force‑feeding[21]. When Austria’s animal‑welfare organisation Four Paws launched a boycott of Hungarian foie gras in 2008, Hungary responded by placing fattened goose liver on its “Hungarikum” heritage list to assert cultural sovereignty[22]. Consequently, domestic consumption did not decline significantly; rather, producers intensified marketing of national heritage to defend the industry.

Production ban. Force‑feeding birds for foie gras is illegal in Ireland. In a 2022 written answer, the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture confirmed that the production of foie gras has been illegal in both the UK and the Republic of Ireland for many years[1]. A 2016 article listing jurisdictions with production bans includes Ireland among countries prohibiting production[2]. Reliance on imports. Because production is prohibited, all foie gras consumed in Ireland is imported[9]. The imports come mainly from EU countries—France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Hungary[3]. WITS data show that Germany supplied more than half of Ireland’s 2023 imports of duck/goose offal[3]. France remains the main source of foie‑gras products; activism groups note that Ireland imports foie gras from France and Portugal[9]. Forms of imports. Imports likely include whole livers for professional kitchens and processed products (terrines, pâtés and foie‑gras parfaits) for gourmet retailers. There is no evidence of significant re‑export or secondary processing in Ireland, though OEC data show a small trade surplus (~US$49,700) for geese fatty livers in 2023[10], indicating some minimal re‑export to other EU markets. Impact of production ban on consumption. Since production has been illegal for decades, there is no pre‑ and post‑ban consumption trend. The ban prevents domestic farming but does not restrict consumption; imports fill the niche demand. Activist campaigns occasionally pressure restaurants to remove foie gras but there has been no legislation to ban imports[11].

Domestic production.Italy banned force‑feeding of ducks and geese in Legislative Decree 146/2001; the annex required that from 1 January 2004 the use of forced feeding and live‑plucking be prohibited[1]. Consequently, no legal foie gras production remains. An Italian company, Jolanda de Colò, historically kept geese but learned the French savoir‑faire and now imports goose and duck livers from France; the company produces terrines, torchons and patés in its Italian facility and claims to be a national market leader[16][17]. This indicates that post‑ban domestic processing uses imported raw livers but does not involve force‑feeding in Italy. Imports.With production banned, consumption is supplied by imports. France and Hungary are the main suppliers of raw fatty livers: in 2023 France accounted for ≈17 tonnes of Italy’s imports of fresh/chilled fatty livers and Hungary ≈8.7 tonnes[2]. Spain and Austria supplied small quantities. For processed liver products (HS 160220), Romania, Germany and France are principal suppliers[7]. These figures show reliance on a small number of foreign producers. Imports arrive both as whole livers and as processed products such as blocs, mousses and terrines; wholesale company Demar Alimentari offers French St Orens brand mousse and bloc de foie gras[18]. Re‑export and secondary processing.Italy does not appear to be a significant re‑exporter; imports are largely consumed domestically or processed into value‑added products by companies like Jolanda de Colò. The market is too small to sustain a significant export trade.

Domestic production – Japan briefly produced foie gras domestically. In 1976 chef Takayoshi Kuwahara imported Barbary ducks from France and established Japan Foie Gras Inc., which became the country’s only farm to produce foie gras. A feature on the gourmet site dancyu explains that the company imported ducks, fattened them and produced foie gras in Aomori[10]. However, the same source notes that the farm no longer produces foie gras and focuses on duck meat and terrines[11]. Reliance on imports – Consequently, Japan is fully dependent on imported foie gras. Before 2020, major suppliers were France (duck and goose foie gras), Hungary, Bulgaria and Canada. Ministry of Finance data indicate that by 2019 France still supplied the majority of fatty liver imports. The 2023 suspension of French poultry due to avian‑influenza vaccinations reduced supply and shifted imports toward Thailand and Hungary. A market analysis of Japan’s frozen duck cuts and offal (not exclusively foie gras) shows that Thailand accounted for 64 % of import value between January and November 2025, while Hungary’s share fell to 18.8 %[12]. Spain and Canada recorded strong growth in 2025[13]. Imports are usually delivered as frozen or chilled whole lobes and processed terrines, which hotels and restaurants slice or sear. Because volumes are small, there is no re‑export trade. Impact of bans and disease – Japan has no animal‑welfare ban on foie gras production or sale. However, the 2023 MAFF suspension of French foie gras (due to vaccination of ducks) demonstrates how sanitary rules can cut supply. In addition, recurrent avian‑influenza outbreaks in producing countries have periodically disrupted imports, prompting importers to seek Hungarian, Thai or Spanish supply. The decline in imports also coincides with rising public awareness of force feeding and with the Covid‑19‑related collapse of tourism, which reduced demand in 2020–21.

Domestic production and legal status – Luxembourg does not produce foie gras; the country’s 1983 animal‑protection law (updated in 2018) prohibits force‑feeding animals, stating that animals may not be force‑fed unless necessary for their health[19]. Consequently, there are no duck or goose farms producing foie gras. The law does not ban the sale or import of foie gras; hence consumption relies entirely on foreign supplies. Main suppliers – Import data reveal that France is the predominant supplier, accounting for about 90 % of fresh‑liver imports and the majority of prepared products[7][10]. Belgium and Hungary contribute small shares. Luxembourg also re‑exports some foie gras (≈8 t of fresh livers in 2024) to Belgium and Germany[20], indicating that wholesalers in Luxembourg may serve neighbouring markets. Forms of imports – Imports include whole fresh/chilled livers used by chefs and processed products (terrines, bloc de foie gras, foie gras pâtés). A government food‑safety recall list in 2021 mentions a “Bloc de foie gras de canard avec morceaux” (Montfort brand) sold in supermarkets like Auchan[21], showing that French brands supply ready‑to‑eat products to retail outlets. Effect of production ban – Luxembourg’s force‑feeding prohibition has eliminated domestic production but has not reduced consumption; imports of both fresh and prepared livers remain substantial. Nevertheless, import values have declined slightly since 2018, suggesting that ethical concerns and price might be influencing demand. If EU‑wide bans or import restrictions were introduced, Luxembourg would quickly be affected because it has no domestic supply.

Domestic production and legal status: The Norwegian Animal Welfare Act prohibits force‑feeding birds, effectively banning domestic foie‑gras production[1]. Consequently all consumption depends on imports. Import sources: Norway’s imports come primarily from France and the European Union, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium[2][5]. WITS data show small volumes imported in 2023–24. Because fresh fatty livers are imported, restaurants may prepare terrines or sear the liver locally. Some ready‑made pâtés or tins might enter the country through speciality distributors, but volumes are not recorded separately. Re‑exports and secondary processing: There is no evidence that Norway re‑exports foie gras or engages in secondary processing. The market is too small to support such activities. Impact of bans and boycotts: Although domestic production is banned, the import and sale of foie gras remain legal[11]. Nevertheless, the supermarket boycott and hotel bans drastically reduced consumption, effectively acting as a de‑facto restriction. High prices and social criticism further limit demand.

Domestic production.There are no known commercial foie‑gras farms in the Philippines. Climate and animal‑welfare regulations make goose and duck gavage impractical. Discussion of foie‑gras production always refers to imported French products, notably Rougié and Ernest Soulard. Imports and suppliers.The country relies entirely on imports, mainly from France. The Swiss group Stop Gavage Suisse lists the Philippines as importing 49 tonnes of foie gras in 2019[1]. Specialty importers such as Werdenberg International Corporation bring in fast‑frozen Rougié foie gras for resale to hotels, restaurants and gourmet shops[11]. Santis Delicatessen, an early pioneer of imported ingredients in Manila, now stocks Rougié foie gras[12]. Online retailers like Barrels and Beyond PH offer whole livers or sliced portions priced from ₱8 670 to ₱13 300 per kilogram[6]. Import forms.Imports consist of whole raw or frozen livers, pre‑sliced escalopes, terrines and canned foie gras. The absence of local processing means there is little re‑export or secondary manufacturing. Effect of bans.The Philippines has no production ban on foie gras. Importation is regulated by general meat import controls (health certificates, permits). As a result, consumption has continued despite bans in producing countries such as the U.S. state of California; some journalists even travelled to France for training[5].

Domestic production: Poland does not produce foie gras. The Animal Protection Act defines force‑feeding as a cruel method and forbids fattening geese and ducks for fatty liver[1]. Existing farms were required to close by 1 January 1999[2]. Although Poland is one of Europe’s largest producers of goose meat, the geese are oat‑fed and slaughtered for meat rather than force‑fed for fatty livers[13]. Poland exports large volumes of goose meat and offal (e.g., 18.6 million kg of duck/goose offal exported in 2024[14]), but these products are not foie gras. Import suppliers: Foie gras sold in Poland is imported primarily from France, Hungary and Spain. The gourmet shop BBQ.pl lists Hungarian origin for its frozen goose foie gras[15]. Vinoteka 13 sells French Rougie foie gras[8]. Online retailer Obrigado markets Spanish Malvasia foie gras and identifies itself as both importer and distributor[9]. Winnica.pl offers terrines and blocs imported from France and describes them as “carefully selected high‑quality products”[11]. Imports comprise both whole livers (escalopes) and processed products (terrines, pâtés and canned blocs), with canned products dominating online retail. Re‑export and processing: Poland is a significant exporter of duck and goose offal and prepared liver products (non‑foie‑gras)[4][14]. However, there is no evidence that it re‑exports imported foie gras. Imports are destined for domestic consumption or sale to high‑end restaurants. Effect of the ban: The ban eliminated domestic production but did not outlaw the sale or import of foie gras. Restaurants and retailers simply switched to imported products. Activist pressure, rather than legal enforcement, now threatens consumption. For example, an article on Party.pl notes that activists protesting outside Magda Gessler’s restaurant led her to remove foie gras from the menu[16]. Similar campaigns have persuaded other restaurants to go foie‑gras‑free, but overall consumption persists due to imports.

No domestic production. Qatar lacks the climate and agricultural tradition to raise ducks or geese for foie gras, and force‑feeding ducks is banned in many countries. IndexBox reports that goose or duck liver production in Qatar is essentially zero[3]. All foie gras in Qatar is therefore imported. Suppliers and origins. Imports likely come primarily from France and other European producers, with some halal‑certified versions produced in France for the Middle Eastern market. A Swiss animal‑welfare association notes that the halal foie gras industry targets Muslim consumers, and countries such as the UAE and Qatar import halal foie gras[8]. Lebanon’s La Ferme St Jacques markets itself as the Middle East’s first foie gras production facility and may supply the region, although no direct evidence of its exports to Qatar was accessible. As a hub for global trade, Qatar also imports through distributors like Source International, which highlights its role in connecting global halal meat processors with Qatar’s expanding hotel and catering sectors; the article notes that Qatar imported approximately 175,000 tonnes of meat in 2020 (across all meats) and depends on professional halal‑certified importers to supply specialty proteins such as duck[10]. Product forms. Most foie gras arrives as processed or semi‑processed products—whole livers, terrines, mousses or seared slices—because restaurants rarely prepare foie gras from raw livers. Halal foie gras products may be shipped in jars or cans. IndexBox’s data on “prepared or preserved goose or duck liver” emphasises processed products[11], suggesting that Qatar imports ready‑to‑use items rather than raw lobes. Re‑export or secondary processing. There is no evidence that Qatar re‑exports foie gras or undertakes secondary processing. Given the small market size and absence of domestic production, imports are consumed locally in restaurants and hotels.

Domestic production: There is no evidence of commercial foie‑gras production in South Korea. The climate and lack of tradition mean that foie‑gras ducks or geese are not raised locally. A market‑research summary (with limited transparency) notes that force‑feeding (gavage) is prohibited in South Korea and that the market relies on imports[10]. While this claim should be treated cautiously, no domestic producers are known. Import sources: France dominates; in 2015 South Korea imported 13 tonnes of foie gras from France[1] and remained one of the principal Asian buyers[2]. EU export data show imports rising to 17 tonnes in 2019[3]. France supplies both whole raw livers and processed terrines. Some imports may arrive via Hong Kong or Singapore as part of luxury food distribution networks. Re‑export or processing: There is no significant re‑export; imported foie gras is consumed domestically. Imports include whole raw livers for restaurant use, canned pâté and terrines for retail, and prepared products used in gift sets[7]. Regulatory factors: South Korea occasionally restricts imports from France during avian‑influenza outbreaks, affecting supply. Otherwise, imports are legal; there is no ban on sale.

Domestic production vs imports. Spain produces around 500–600 t of foie gras annually. Production was 600 t in 2019[14], fell to 487 t in 2020 because of the pandemic[7], increased to 524 t in 2024[1] and reached 1,058.6 t of transformed foie gras in 2022 due to growth in processed products[15]. This output comes from roughly 26 farms, six slaughterhouses and nine processing plants[16]. Because domestic consumption is in the range of 2.5–3.2 k t, Spain must import ~1.9–2.7 k t of foie gras products annually to meet demand. WITS trade data for 2023 show Spain imported 92.8 t of fresh or chilled fatty livers (HS 020731), valued at $3.2 million, mainly from France, Bulgaria and Hungary[17]. Spain also imported 2,234 t of frozen cuts and offal of ducks/goose (HS 020743) valued at $26.5 million, largely from Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Poland and Belgium[18]. An Avinews report for 2018 reported higher volumes: Spain imported 884 t of fresh foie gras and 1,688 t of prepared products[19]. The difference between the two sets of figures reflects fluctuations in trade and possible changes in customs classifications, but both underline heavy import reliance. Main suppliers and forms. The principal suppliers are France, Bulgaria and Hungary for fresh livers[17] and Bulgaria, France and Hungary for frozen cuts[18]. Imports include whole livers, mi‑cuit, blocs and pâtés; many are sold under French brands (Rougié, Labeyrie) as well as Spanish brands (Martiko, Malvasía). Spain also exports about 100–130 t of foie gras (mostly prepared products) to the EU and Japan, generating €4–5 million[20][1]. This indicates Spain functions mainly as a consumer and minor exporter, not a re‑export hub. Effects of bans and restrictions. Spain is one of only five European jurisdictions (France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain and Wallonia) that still allow force‑feeding. Animal‑rights organisations have petitioned Congress to prohibit the practice and collected over 100,000 signatures, but in 2025 the Spanish government said that no additional legislative measures were forthcoming[21]. Because production is legal, there has been no domestic ban, though consumption is contested. Some restaurants voluntarily remove foie gras due to activist pressure, and sales have declined slightly, but overall demand remains strong.

Domestic production – Sweden does not produce foie gras. Force‑feeding is prohibited under Swedish animal welfare law, so no domestic farms exist. Parliamentary motions note that Sweden already bans production[12]. Chefs and retailers must therefore source foie gras from abroad. Reliance on imports – All foie gras in Sweden is imported. WITS data show that Denmark, France and the Netherlands supply most frozen duck and goose offal[1]. For prepared liver products the main exporters are Denmark and Belgium[2]. Market analysis from 6Wresearch lists the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania and Poland as the dominant suppliers[3]. Several Swedish gourmet stores sell French products from southwestern France (Katealde, Larnaudie)[7][10]. Some shops also import Hungarian foie gras[13]. Product forms – Imports include whole fatty livers, semi‑preserved “bloc” or “torchon”, pâtés and mousses, and tinned foie gras. Gourmet retailers highlight artisanal goose and duck livers, blocks with Armagnac or port, and mixed terrines[10]. Frozen offal imports include other edible parts for the processing industry, while prepared liver products cover a broader range of pâtés and spreads. Re‑export or processing – Sweden does not appear to re‑export foie gras. Imports are consumed domestically through restaurants and retail. Some processed liver products may be re‑packed, but there is no evidence of a significant re‑export industry. Persistence despite bans – Because the production ban targets animal welfare practices rather than the product itself, consumption has persisted. The Aftonbladet article notes that although force‑feeding is banned in Sweden, the country still imports foie gras from France, Hungary, China and Bulgaria[14]. Activists therefore argue that the ban is symbolic unless imports and sales are also prohibited.

Switzerland has no domestic production because force‑feeding birds is illegal. All foie gras on the Swiss market is imported. The main suppliers are France and Hungary, with smaller volumes from Belgium and Bulgaria. Imports include whole livers (fresh or frozen) and processed products (terrines, pâtés and mousses). Swiss retailers often sell pasteurised terrines and blocs de foie gras in tins or jars; restaurants may import chilled “whole” livers for preparation on site. There is no evidence of re‑export or secondary processing; Switzerland is a consumer market rather than a hub. Attempts to ban imports have repeatedly been debated. In late 2022 and early 2023, proposals to outlaw imports were rejected by Parliament, which instead opted for mandatory labelling: from July 2025, retailers and restaurants must warn consumers when products such as foie gras come from animals subjected to painful procedures[7]. Producers and retailers argue that an outright ban would drive cross‑border purchases in neighbouring France[3].

Domestic foie gras production is effectively banned. Turkey’s Animal Protection Law 5199 prohibits force‑feeding animals for non‑medical reasons[1], thereby outlawing the gavage technique required to enlarge duck and goose livers. Animal‑rights sources confirm that Turkey banned force‑feeding in June 2004[15]. There is no legal exception for humane or “ethical” production, and the law has prevented the emergence of a domestic foie gras industry. Given the ban, Turkey relies entirely on imports for foie gras consumption. WITS data show that the Netherlands and Germany are the leading suppliers in 2024, providing US$7.99 k (1.814 tonnes) and US$5.17 k (1.289 tonnes) respectively[5]. Previous years also list the Netherlands, France, Germany and Denmark as key exporters[16]. An online retailer lists Bulgarian canned foie gras as its product’s origin[17], indicating that Eastern Europe is also a source. The imports are primarily prepared products (canned bloc, terrines or pâté) rather than raw livers; WITS reports negligible or zero imports under HS 020731 (fresh or chilled fatty livers). The modest export figure in 2024 (2.679 tonnes[6]) likely represents re‑exports of imported products to ships or foreign buyers rather than local production.

Domestic production. There is no commercial foie gras production in the UAE. Geese and ducks used for foie gras require cool climates and abundant water, conditions absent in the UAE’s arid environment. Islamic dietary law allows consumption of duck and goose, but the practice of force‑feeding would likely face religious scrutiny and is not practiced domestically. Reliance on imports. All foie gras consumed in the UAE is imported. Customs data for HS 020743 indicate that France is the principal source by value (US$2.26 million for 86,841 kg in 2023) and Hungary, Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil and Ireland are secondary suppliers[2]. Saudi Arabia supplies the largest volume (3.23 million kg)[2], but these imports likely consist of generic duck offal rather than foie gras. High‑end restaurants and distributors also import whole livers and prepared products from French houses such as Rougié, Jean Larnaudie and Nivo Finess; these may arrive chilled or frozen. Prepared vs. raw products. Gourmet suppliers like Les Gastronomes and Classic Fine Foods sell whole raw lobes, terrines and canned foie gras to hotels and consumers. Restaurants import both whole raw lobes for searing and processed terrines or torchon. There is no evidence that the UAE re‑exports significant quantities of foie gras, but WITS shows the country exporting generic duck offal to Oman, the Maldives and Seychelles, suggesting that some imported poultry offal is trans‑shipped to neighbouring markets. Impact of bans. The UAE does not ban foie gras production, import or sale. Therefore there is no post‑ban consumption pattern to analyse. However, global bans (e.g., California’s ban in 2012, New York’s proposed ban) and avian‑influenza disruptions sometimes affect supply and raise prices.

Domestic ban. Production of foie gras using force‑feeding has been illegal in the UK since the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000, which prohibit practices causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals[11]. As a result, there is no domestic foie gras industry, and consumption depends entirely on imports. Import supply. The main supplier is France, the world’s largest producer. A French trade publication noted that in 2019 France exported about 29 tonnes of raw foie gras (worth €789,000) and 65 tonnes of processed foie gras (worth €891,000) to the UK[4]. Earlier, a UK parliamentary debate observed that Britain imported 180–200 tonnes of foie gras each year from mainland Europe[2]. Industry sources also list Hungary, Belgium and Spain as secondary exporters. Because the UK does not process or re‑export significant quantities, imports largely represent consumption. Imports include both whole raw livers (destined for restaurant kitchens) and processed products such as terrines and pâtés, but official trade codes do not distinguish these categories, making precise breakdowns difficult. Imports despite ban proposals. Animal‑welfare groups have long campaigned for an import ban; the government considered such a ban during drafting of the Kept Animals Bill but has not enacted it. A 2024 parliamentary answer said the government was “building a clear evidence base” and that proposals would be subject to consultation[1]. Thus, imports continue even though production remains illegal.

Vietnam does not produce foie gras; the dish is fully reliant on imports. The EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) lists Canard à foie gras du Sud‑Ouest (South‑West French duck foie gras) among the European geographical indications protected in Vietnam[5], allowing French producers to market their foie gras under a recognised origin label. After outbreaks of avian influenza reduced domestic demand in Europe, French producers developed the Southeast Asian market and began exporting to Vietnam[1]. Industry reports cite La Belle France as a leading importer and distributor in Vietnam; the company sources foie gras from French producers and supplies high‑end hotels and restaurants[3]. VinGourmet, a premium food subsidiary of the Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, has introduced its own range of foie gras products[3]. Classic Fine Foods (a distributor of Rougié products) and gourmet retailers such as Annam Gourmet sell canned and frozen foie gras to wealthy consumers. Imports consist mainly of whole fresh/frozen livers and sliced foie gras shipped from France. Customs records cited by Tridge show shipments of “quick frozen raw duck foie gras” and “slices 60/80 g” from Rougié with expiry dates in 2025. These raw products allow chefs to sear or prepare terrines. Prepared forms (pâtés, mousses and canned foie gras) are also imported and sold through gourmet retailers. There is no evidence of re‑export; Vietnam is a consumption market, not a processing hub.