United Kingdom exports more pork again

The United Kingdom exported the largest volume in June 3 years time: 18.400 tons of pork (fresh/frozen). That record has now also been broken for the month of July. The country exported 19.000 tons of pork in July, which is the highest level in July since 2016. Compared to July last year, total pork exports are 12% higher, while the increase on an annual basis is 11%. The export value increased by 19% to £46,9 million (almost €52 million).

One of the largest increases is visible in the export of slaughterhouse waste. Compared to the same month last year, the export of this product increased by 17% to 56.300 tons and an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. This increase is mainly due to increased demand from China for offal, although that country has always been the main destination for British offal.

Imports continue to decline
While export figures continue to increase, import figures are once again showing a decline. Compared to the same month in 2018, total pork imports fell by 22% to 69.300 tonnes. The largest decline on a monthly basis is visible in the import of processed pork. This figure fell by 57% to 8.300 tonnes. According to HMRC data, this is mainly because significantly less was imported from Ireland (-8.000 tonnes), although last year's high import figures were also an exception to the rule.

Bacon imports fell by 10% to 15.500 tons in July. If we look at the first 7 months of the year, the import of this product decreased by 7% to 111.700 tons. In contrast, the import of offal increased by 7% to 2019 tonnes over the first 6 months of 10.000, although this figure represents only a small part of total exports. The value of total British imports fell by 5% to £196,1 million (€221,5 million).