Inside Pigs
UK pork exports at highest point since 2016
The United Kingdom exported the largest volume of pork in 3 years in June. China in particular buys a lot of British pork, which is due to the shortages in that country due to African swine fever.
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In June, the UK exported 18.400 tonnes of pork (fresh/frozen). That is 10% more than the same month last year and also the highest export level since June 2016. The export value increased by almost 25% to £28 million (€30 million). The growth is mainly due to increased exports China. During this period, that country purchased almost twice as much (5.300 tons) as last year.
It is striking that pork exports to other countries have actually lost ground in recent months. For example, trade with Denmark has been declining since February and pork exports to Germany have also weakened in recent months.
Imports significantly lower
While export figures are growing, import figures for June show a sharp contraction. For example, total pork imports fell by 24% compared to June last year. Bacon imports in particular have fallen (-33%). The strong growth in the import of slaughterhouse waste (+18%) cannot compensate for these red figures.
The United Kingdom imported less from Denmark (-30%) and Germany (-21%) in June. According to analysts from government agency AHDB, this is mainly because the costs of importing meat are 13% higher this year.