EU pork exports will continue to grow in early 2021

In total, Europe and the United Kingdom exported approximately 482.000 tonnes of pork in January. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of no less than 11,1%. 

Growing Chinese imports
The European Commission estimated for 2021 a decline in European pork production. This expectation is partly based on the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Germany, but is mainly related to the forecast of Chinese import needs. The committee estimates that exports to China will not grow further in 2021, because domestic production is expected to recover.

However, this does not appear to be the case for the month of January and exports to China have grown compared to last year. In total, approximately 315.000 pork crossed the border, which is 16,7% more than last year. Exports to Hong Kong also achieved growth and were no less than 47,1% higher than last year.

Philippines increases imports sharply
The Philippines has skyrocketed up the list of major pork buyers in a short period of time. In January, the country ranked fourth among major importers of European pork with an import of 22.000 tons. No less than 144,4% more meat was imported than last year.

Not all main customers have increased imports individually. Japan, South Korea, Australia, Vietnam and the United States imported less than last year.