March 26, 2014

Ireland's 2013 total pig meat exports remain steady

In 2013, Ireland's total exports of pig meat were unchanged from the previous year, although less was traded within the EU and more to third-countries.

Irish exports of fresh and frozen pork were 132,300 tonnes in 2013, according to the German meat association, VDF. However, a 7% increase in the average price of those exports raised the value of those exports to €318 million (US$440 million).

A 7% fall in exports to other EU countries was made up by a 12% increase to third-countries.

The volume of pig meat destined for UK and Germany were almost unchanged at 46,400 and 13,000 tonnes, respectively but 15% less Irish pig meat was sent to Denmark in 2013 than in the previous year.

For Irish pig meat destined for non-EU markets, Russia and China, 21,100 and 20,700 tonnes respectively, were imported last year. This was 42% more than in 2012 to Russia and 4.5% more to China.