Boost for British pig sector

Britain's pig sector has struck a deal with China. 7 slaughterhouses in England and Northern Ireland have been certified by the Chinese authorities to ship pork to the largest market in the world.

The deal brings in around £200 million and can be seen as a boost for the UK pig industry. This is in view of the approaching Brexit. According to the British Department of Agriculture, it is not possible to deliver to China within a month. However, slaughterhouses and meat exporters can prepare for rapid deliveries.

The deal also has a long preliminary phase. In April 2015, slaughterhouses were audited by the Chinese authorities. At the time, there was no talk of Brexit. 

Deal is good
Nevertheless, the deal is good for the British. Brexit is separating the roads between the European Union and Great Britain. The separation conditions are currently being negotiated, but it is not yet certain whether the British can still piggyback on the European trade agreements from March 2019.

The British pig sector is therefore pleased with the deal. According to Phil Hadley of the British Product Board for the Pig Sector (AHDB Pork), the trade agreement with China will provide additional employment and turnover. 

About 9 British meat exporters already had access to the Chinese market. In 2016, sales to China amounted to around £43 million. The deal will expand the number of companies with export licenses to China to 16 companies. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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