British significantly increase pork production

The AHBD estimates UK pork production for 2025 at 988.000 tonnes. This represents a 2,8% increase compared to the previous year, driven by a larger number of pigs ready for slaughter and heavier carcass weights.

In the first half of 2025, production rose sharply to 483.000 tons. The first quarter, in particular, saw strong growth of +6,3% year-on-year, while the second quarter saw a more modest increase of +1,6%. The supply-demand balance appears to be relatively stable so far. Domestic sales were also supported by high beef prices and warm weather, which resulted in a year-on-year increase in pork demand.

Slaughter rate is increasing
The growth in British pork production in 2025 will be primarily driven by higher slaughter rates. A total of 10,57 million animals are expected to be slaughtered, a 2,3% increase compared to last year. Furthermore, an average carcass weight of approximately 90,5 kg is assumed, half a kilo more than in 2024. The AHDB expects the British sow herd to increase by 3% compared to 2024, to 337.000 sows.

Looking ahead to 2026, the AHDB expects British pork production to continue to grow, although the increase will be smaller than in 2025. This increase is driven by a 1,2% increase in the slaughter of finishers. The sow herd is also continuing to grow, but at a slower pace. The AHDB expects growth to be around 1% per year. This would put the sow herd back at its 2027 level in 2022.

Stronger export position
The growth coincides with an improved position in the global market. The trends seen so far are expected to continue. This would mean that pork exports will grow by 5% annually, while imports will decline by 2%. This is partly attributable to strong global demand, but the United Kingdom is also clearly outperforming its direct competitors. Growth is significantly higher than in the European Union, where exports increased by 2,1%. In the first five months of 2025, British exports were robust, rising by 5% compared to the same period a year earlier, reaching 129.500 tons.

The stronger result is linked to improved performance in China. In December, two British processing facilities were readmitted to the Chinese market, significantly expanding export opportunities. At the same time, the trade war between the United States and China is making the United Kingdom a more attractive supplier. Furthermore, twelve companies received approval to sell by-products in China.

Imports are falling
In contrast, British pork imports fell by 3% between January and May compared to the same period in 2024. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe significantly reduced import volumes during the first quarter. Although there was a slight recovery in May after Germany was again declared FMD-free, imports remained limited due to the increased British supply.