Pork exports to non-EU countries up in first six months

According to HMRC, a total of 177,638 t of pork has been exported around the world so far this year, bringing a £304m boost to the UK pork sector.

While total shipments are slightly down on last year’s figures due to coronavirus and the fall out of Brexit, shipments to countries outside of the EU increased 30% compared with the same period last year – worth £220m.

The lion’s share went to China with 83,000 t shipped between January and June, worth almost £150m. Other markets in Asia, such as the Philippines, provided a boost with exports rising from 2,800 t to more than 14,300 t – valued at £22m. South Korea has also grown from a low base to 1,924 tonnes this year.

An increased demand from countries such as the USA and Australia have also helped boost pork exports – with shipments to America up 27% to 3,348 t, worth almost £10m and Australia taking 1,613 t of UK pork.

AHDB Head of Asia Pacific Jonathan Eckley said: “During a particularly challenging year for our red meat exports, pork has continued to prove incredibly popular in a number of markets outside of the EU – with demand increasing in markets such as Asia and Oceania.

“While the EU remains an important trading partner for the UK, it is imperative that we continue to identify and open a broad portfolio of markets further afield and our ongoing relations with markets such as Asia is providing a hugely important boost for our red meat sectors here in the UK.”