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Pork exports take another step back
European pork exports will also take a step back in January 2022. Although exports to China continue to decline, there seems to be more room at a large number of other destinations.
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When the provisional figures were announced, pork exports received a significant push down. The final figures now show that the decline is not as strong as previously expected. Although exports to China are declining sharply, European pork appears to be more popular in other destinations.
China is taking another step back
Pork exports to China already fell sharply last year and increased further in January. Exports fell from 128.000 tonnes in December to 126.000 tonnes in January. In January 2021, exports to China still amounted to 302.000 tons. On an annual basis, exports have therefore fallen by 174.000 tonnes, a minus of just under 60%.
However, the total export of European pork fell by 'only' 118.000 tons: from 530.000 tons in January 2021 to 411.000 tons in January 2022. Exports to various destinations therefore increased slightly. For example, exports to Japan increased by 8.000 tons to 28.000 tons. South Korea purchased 19.000 more tons, reaching 33.000 tons. Exports to the Philippines increased by 9.000 tons, to just under 31.000 tons. Exports to Taiwan grew by 6.000 tons to 10.000 tons. Many of the Asian destinations are still struggling with the consequences of African swine fever, which has put a damper on production in our own country.
Another notable climber in the export list is Australia. Since last summer, export volumes to this country have increased considerably. In January, the volume of European pork exported to Australia increased by more than 6.000 tonnes to a total of 12.000 tonnes.
| Most important European pork export destinations January 2020 | Volume in tons |
| China | 126.000 |
| South Korea | 33.000 |
| Philippines | 31.000 |
| Japan | 28.000 |
| Australia | 12.000 |
| Taiwan | 10.000 |
Export remains important for square measure value
The final export figures presented by Eurostat therefore offer some starting points for exporters on the left and right. Particularly for the square valorisation, export remains an important factor in the valuation of the carcass. In the meat trade, it is striking that sales to China for by-products (such as ears and legs) remain important. If these types of by-products cannot be supplied to this market, they must be sold at other destinations for very low prices.