Christmas hams were always in demand, however the production drop would exacerbate that, Mr Symmans said. People would probably be able to buy imported pork products from supermarkets, though it might not be of the same quality.
"If people don't get in early, they'll get an inferior product."
Alan Wright, of Cherrywood Butchery, said pork prices would "definitely increase" due to the domestic and global shortage.
Pork imports had fallen because of the shortage in Europe and the US. However, New Zealand butchers had placed their Christmas orders months ago and should be able to cater for the seasonal demand, he said.
"I'd be very surprised if people can't get a ham. People would be guaranteed to be a ham from the Cherrywood Butchery."
A butcher at Farmer Jones in Mount Maunganui said pork suppliers had increased pork prices by 30 cents a kilo. However, he didn't think there would be a shortage this year because orders had been pre-booked.
The latest New Zealand Pork newsletter says imported pork made up 45 per cent of the product in New Zealand retail outlets. The drop in European pork production had led to the Japanese turning to the US for product, putting them in direct competition with New Zealand buyers. That meant the price of imported pork would rise in the New Year, the newsletter said.