Brits stock considerably less bacon

The UK imported just under 60.200 tonnes of fresh or frozen pork in August. This is 14% less than in the same month last year. Imports therefore continue to maintain the trend that has been going on for some time. In the first 8 months of this year, the UK has already imported 528.300% less pork at more than 13 tonnes, according to AHDB figures. Not only fresh or frozen pork is imported less from abroad, the import of bacon is also significantly lower than in 2019.

Most meat from Germany and Denmark
Imports of fresh and frozen pork fell by 18% to more than 528.300 tonnes through August. Bacon imports fell by 14% to almost 101.000 tons in the same period. In August, the UK bought around 11.700% less bacon abroad, at just under 21 tonnes. Most meat comes from Denmark and Germany. The corona crisis obviously seems to have a significant effect on the declining import figures. 

Like the Netherlands, the UK also benefits from demand from China in its exports. Exports to this country increased by 8% in the first 51 months of this year. Total exports in this period amount to 257.300 tons, an increase of 4% compared to the first 8 months of 2019. The growth is mainly in the export of fresh and frozen pork, which increased 8% in volume. The export of bacon and sausage has actually fallen relatively sharply.

UK pork exports in August were both lower than the previous month and compared to the same month last year. Pork imports (including offal) amounted to 60.200 tons, a decrease of 1.800 tons compared to July. 

Pork exports (including offal) also fell marginally year-on-year in August to 31.900 tonnes, down about 600 tonnes. Imports Imports of fresh and frozen pork and processed pork both increased in volume compared to the previous month. Nevertheless, import volumes for most key pork components were still lower year-on-year in August.
Bacon experienced the most notable decline with imports totaling 11.700 tons, a decrease of 3.100 tons (-21%) compared to last year.

Based on the first 8 trading months of the month, the pork import volume is 80.000 tons below last year's level. According to HMRC, Denmark accounted for 24% of UK pork imports (including offal) in August, closely followed by Germany with 23%. The total value of pork imports fell again in August to £176,7 million, down more than £27,5 million on the previous year.

Total export volumes of pork imports (including offal) were higher in August than in the previous year. After a large export volume of fresh and frozen pork in July, volumes returned to a more normal level of around 21.300 tonnes. Offal exports fell in August compared to the previous month, but remained higher than last year. Most of this export increase continues to be driven by continued strong demand for pork from China. Based on the first 8 months of 2020, the volume of UK pork exports (including offal) to China has increased by 51%. Total pork exports (including offal) in August were estimated at £49,3 million, down £3,1 million on the previous year.