UK pork exports grow despite challenges

Last year the UK exported around 400.000 tonnes of pork, an increase of almost 6% compared to 2019. The value increased slightly faster at 7%, rising to £654 million. The figures show that pork exports to non-EU countries increased by 17% in volume and 23% in value year on year.

Total red meat exports last year amounted to 660.000 tonnes, a decrease of 0,6% compared to 2019. However, the total value actually increased marginally to £1,5 billion. Beef exports fell 9,8% to 166.000 tonnes, worth £453 million. There was a 7% reduction in sheep meat exports, reaching 93.600 tonnes worth £447 million last year.

Strong results
Phil Hadley, director of international market development at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), describes the figures as evidence of overcoming the many challenges of 2020. "If you look at the difficult trading year we have had in the run-up to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, these full-year results are incredibly strong – with our pork exports actually increasing in value by 7%,” said Hadley. “We have also seen an increase in domestic demand for red meat, which has had a slight impact on the volumes available for export. With all this in mind, 2020 has delivered some encouraging and positive results for our red meat exports.”