Pig export scores well in South Korea

Pork exports to South Korea increased by 2017% in 30 to 22.243 tons. Germany is also doing well in South Korea. German exports increased by 27,3% to 110.439 tons. The United States (US) leads the list with 152.890 (+11,4%) tons. Spain, the third largest exporter, on the other hand, suffers a volume loss of 15%, reaching 60.889 tonnes.

On balance, the Koreans imported 5,3% more to 489.510 tons. Of this, Denmark supplied 14.726 tonnes (+2,6%). Belgian exports plummeted by 23,7% to 9.626 tons. Canadian exports, the fourth largest supplier of pork to South Korea, were flat at 35.090 tonnes.

It can therefore be concluded that the Netherlands (in percentage terms) makes the most export profits. In terms of parts, South Korea is an important market for pork bellies.

(Text continues below image)A typical South Korean dish with pork belly. 

Win in Hong Kong
Dutch pork exports are also increasing in Hong Kong, which is seen as the gateway to Asia (+29,4% to 24.523 tons). On balance, Hong Kong imported 5,2% more to 360.768 tonnes. In Hong Kong, the percentage growth of the Netherlands is also well above average. However, with an export increase of 62% to 41.188 tons, Germany stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Dutch sales of by-products (heads, legs and snouts) to Hong Kong fell by 2017% in 16,6 to 36.462 tonnes. In total, Hong Kong imported 1% less to 476.812 tonnes. However, German sales of by-products did increase (+25,9% to 88.061 tons). This makes Germany the second largest exporter after the US (+8,6% to 130.684 tonnes). The explosive growth that Germany is achieving in Hong Kong may be a result of the Chinese import ban, where Tönnies was struggling with in early 2017.

Profit and loss in China
China imported about 2017% less pork in 24,9 to 1,21 million tons. All European pig exporters are suffering significant losses. For example, Dutch sales fell by 28,1% to 86.416 tonnes, while Germany exported 38,5% less to 211.775 tonnes. The Danes are the biggest losers, with a drop of 44,2% to 88.733 tons. The Dutch and Danish export volumes are now virtually the same.

Chinese imports of by-products are showing interesting shifts. On balance, this decreases by 6,5% to 1,23 million tons. The big losers are Germany (-31,6% to 147.107 tons) and Denmark (-23,7% to 144.250 tons). Sales from the Netherlands (+7,4% to 100.603 tons) and Spain (+15% to 125.158 tons) do not correspond to this picture.

2017: not bad
Overall, 2017 was not a bad export year for the Dutch pig sector. Profits were made in South Korea, Hong Kong and China (by-products). In contrast, pork exports to China, the largest sales market, recorded a considerable loss.