Inside Pigs
French pork heading for China
Pork production in France increased by 8% in the first months of the year. The combination of the increase in export figures and the decrease in import figures means that the supply on the domestic market has decreased.
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In the first half of the year, pork production in France reached 1,1 million tons. French exports amounted to 236.000 tons between January and June, which is 17.000 tons more than last year in this period (+8%). In addition, the export value increased by 17% to €449,5 million. Exports increased mainly to China, which is a result of the outbreaks of African swine fever there.
De export to China increased by 56% (+14.000 tons), meaning that France exported 6% of its total exports to this country in the first 16 months of the year: 37.760 tons. Italy, previously the most important market for French pork, is feeling the effects of this, as exports to that country have decreased by 7%.
Strong decline for imports
The rising exports are offset by decreased pork imports. That figure fell by 11% to 137.700 tonnes, compared to the first 6 months of 2018. Spain, France's largest supplier, was responsible for 71% of total imports. Imports from this country have decreased by 12% (-13.000 tons). The import value in the first half of the year amounted to €355,5 million, which is 7% less than last year.
Since the price of imported pork has risen less rapidly than the average export price, the profitability of the market has increased. However, it also shows that the home market demands less French pork. In the first half of this year, purchases of fresh pork were 3% lower than last year in this period. Sales of meat products fell by 2%. “Falling domestic demand is also linked to declining pork availability, due to the combination of rising exports and falling imports,” AHDB senior analyst Bethan Wilkins said on their website.