April 11, 2022

UK secures market access for pork to Chile, Vietnam could be next

The UK will be able to export pork products to Chile in an agreement valued at GBP 20 million (~US$26 million; GBP 1 = US$1.30) over the first five years, following market access for UK pork to Mexico, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

27 pork processing sites in the UK will be able to commercially export the meat to Chile. Exporters will enjoy tariff rates under the Most-Favoured-Nation tariff of 6%, subject to conditions.

Chile's pork consumption is projected to rise over the next few years, reaching 26.8 kg per capita by 2029. Local production has remained stagnant in 2021, with the country boosting impots due to growing demand for pork.

The UK pork industry is also working to open market access to Vietnam. Pork is highly favoured in Vietnam and demand has outstripped domestic production.

African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks have also resulted in Vietnam increasing pork imports in 2021.

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB International Market Development Director said both markets offered potential for the UK's pork industry.

He said opening market access for UK pork to Chile, and getting access into Mexico, will provide UK swine farmers and processors with a valuable market and boost the industry.

Discussions are ongoing to expand UK's pork offerings to Mexico to offal, after getting market access in September 2021. This is projected to be valued at GBP 50 million (~US$65 million) for the pork industry over the first five years of trade.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board