Inside Pigs
British pork exports almost 10 percent higher
The export of pork from the United Kingdom in August was almost 10% higher than last year, according to new figures from government agency AHDB. The outbreaks of African swine fever in China are to blame for this.
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UK pork exporters exported 32.400 tonnes of pork in August. The export is therefore approximately 9% above the level of the same month last year. In particular, the export of fresh/frozen pork (+17% to 21.300 tons) and processed products (+16% to 1.000 tons) is significantly higher. On the other hand, the export of sausages is considerably lower, because this year 27% less was exported than last year. The export value for August amounted to £34,4 million (approximately €39,9 million), which is almost 50% more than last year.
Well ahead of last year
When we look at the figures up to and including August 2019, pork exports amount to 247.100 tons. This is 11% more than was achieved in the first 8 months last year (222.700 tons). Exports of processed products have increased the most in recent months: +21% to 8.400 tons. On the other hand, the export of bacon (-8% to 12.400 tons) and sausages (-3% to 5.100 tons) actually fell during this period of the year.
It is not surprising that the figures show such a significant increase. Due to the outbreaks of African swine fever in China, that country is fully present on the global export market. In August, pork exports from the United Kingdom were almost double last year. Taiwan is also busy shopping in the United Kingdom. More than 400 tons were shipped to this country in August alone.
| Export | Aug-18 | Aug-19 | Verschil | Until August 2018 | Until August 2019 | Verschil |
| Total | 29.700 | 32.400 | 9% | 222.700 | 247.100 | + 11 % |
| Fresh/frozen | 18.200 | 21.300 | + 17 % | 140.900 | 157.100 | + 12 % |
| Bacon | 1.900 | 1.700 | -10% | 13.500 | 12.400 | -8% |
| sausages | 700 | 500 | -27% | 5.200 | 5.100 | -3% |
| Incorporated | 800 | 1.000 | + 16 % | 6.900 | 8.400 | + 21 % |
| Offal | 8.100 | 7.900 | -3% | 56.200 | 64.200 | + 14 % |
Imports continue to decline
While the export figures are positive, the import figures are in the red. In August, British pork imports amounted to 68.400 tonnes, which is 13% less than this month last year. Bacon imports in particular showed a sharp decline: -22% to 20.000 tons. Even when we look at import figures for the first 8 months of the year, a significant decline can be seen. Imports are now 7% behind last year: 601.200 tons versus 646.100 tons.
Imports from Denmark in particular are lower. In August, this country purchased 15% (-1.900 tons) from the United Kingdom. Rising prices in the European Union and a weaker pound are the causes of this. The exchange rate increased the average import price by 16%. The value of imports was therefore 8% higher than last year: at £73,3 million (approximately €85 million).
| Import | Aug-18 | Aug-19 | Verschil | Until August 2018 | Until August 2019 | Verschil |
| Total | 78.500 | 68.400 | -13% | 646.100 | 601.200 | -7% |
| Fresh/frozen | 36.400 | 33.700 | -7% | 295.800 | 294.200 | -1% |
| Bacon | 25.600 | 20.000 | -22% | 208.400 | 174.100 | -16% |
| sausages | 11.400 | 9.600 | -16% | 94.800 | 86.100 | -9% |
| Incorporated | 4.600 | 3.800 | -16% | 37.000 | 35.400 | -4% |
| Offal | 700 | 1.300 | -104% | 10.100 | 11.300 | -12% |