Significant increases in pork shipments from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium has led the UK's import of the meat to rise by 6% at 29,200 tonnes during April 2014, according to a report by Farmers Weekly.

In addition, bacon and ham imports rose by 6% on year, at 19,900 tonnes, based on the latest HMRC data. Sausage imports increased by 12%, with other processed products up 11%.

Exports remained mostly unchanged in April on year at 15,100 tonnes. Offal exports have fallen by 35% and all non-EU exports by 23%.

Domestic expenditure on pork also decline between March and May by 4% on year, according to analyst, Kantar WorldPanel. This was driven by decreased expenditure on chops, steaks and leg roasting joints, despite lower retail prices.

"The one sector that continues to perform well is mince, which enjoyed volume growth of one-fifth against a year ago," said a report by Bpex. Spending on sausages was up 2%, with bacon unchanged and ham up 6%.

Less-than-enthusiastic demand and the relatively low EU prices - which had been exacerbated by the strength of the Pound – were putting pressure on domestic values, the Bpex report added.