EU pig meat exports lower again in August

In August, EU pig meat exports remained well below year earlier levels. This was first seen in July for the first time since December 2018. Pig meat exports (including offal) were 411,000 tonnes in August, 9% lower than in the same month last year. This brings shipments for the first eight months of the year to 3.95 million tonnes, just over 7% higher.

Exports of fresh/frozen pork were 14% below year earlier levels, at 254,000 tonnes. Once again, exports to China were lower, by 47% to only 96,000 tonnes. Wholesale pork prices in China are starting to edge up, as are prices for live pigs. This is stoking some optimism that import demand may follow, although actual signs of a pick-up are yet to be seen. The decline in EU farmgate pig prices has steadied in recent weeks.

Shipments to Japan continued to outperform last year’s levels (+34%) and the Philippines again showed substantial growth (+107%). Despite improvements in volumes elsewhere, as in July, they were not enough to make up for the decline in exports to China.

Exports of pig offal from the EU were 4% below a year earlier, at 100,000 tonnes. Again, notable declines came in shipments to China (-11% to 55,000 tonnes) and Hong Kong (-67% to 3,200 tonnes). These falls were partially offset by increases in trade with other countries including the Philippines (+58%, to 10,600 tonnes) and Côte d'Ivoire (+17%, to 5,200 tonnes).

As far as trade with the UK was concerned, EU pig meat exports (excluding offal) rose by 7% on the year to 66,000 tonnes. This brings year-to date trade to 505,000 tonnes, down 5% on last year’s level. The EU pig meat market is struggling with oversupply, and low pig prices. Increased production in 2021 has not been offset by increases in demand – within bloc or export.

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