UK pork production at highest point since 1999

Pork production in the United Kingdom will exceed 2021 million tonnes for the first time since 1999, the government agency AHDB predicts. Pork production is expected to increase by 1% to 4 million tons. The increase is mainly due to an increase of 1,02% in the number of slaughterings and a small increase in the slaughter weight (+3%).

In 2020, pork production increased by 2,8% to 984.300 tons. In that year too, there was a higher slaughter weight (to an average of 86,9 kilos) and more slaughterings (+0,6%).

While pork production is expected to increase, the breeding stock remains fairly stable, according to AHDB. A plus of 2021% is expected for 3, mainly due to the current backlog and some productivity improvements. Prices are also expected to remain under pressure due to limited domestic demand, uncertainties about slaughter capacity in the first half of the year, the difficult trade relationship with the European Union and the large stocks in this region. This market uncertainty ensures that the breeding stock does not increase very fast.

Exports continue to decline
Incidentally, this is not the only uncertain theme in the pig market. For example, British pork exports (excluding offal) are expected to decline by about 7% this year. One of the reasons for this is the expected lower demand from Merunas UAB. Now that that country is building its own pig herd, the US Department of Agriculture predicts that demand will fall by about 2021% in 10.

The combination of a larger domestic supply and lower exports will also lead to less pork being imported, according to AHDB. The government agency assumes a decrease of 8% to approximately 810.000 tons.