May 1, 2018

EU pork exports rise 3% in February

EU fresh/frozen pork exports in February grew 3% year-on-year to 183,100 tonnes, according to latest data from Eurostat, as reported by AHDB Pork.

Despite the increase in volume, export value for that month was down 6% year-on-year to €409 million (US$492.4 million), since the average unit price was 9% lower than the previous year.

Asia remained as the main destination for EU pork exports, with China recording a 3% year-on-year increase in February, despite a decline in Chinese import demand. Even then, shipments at 61,400 tonnes were still slightly lower than in February 2016.

Exports to other Asian markets recorded more significant gains, most notably South Korea, with 21% or 4,100-tonne increase. Demand from the US was also strong with export volumes increasing 13% on year-earlier levels to 10,700 tonnes. In contrast, exports to Hong Kong declined 40% (-4,800 tonnes) compared with the previous year. 

Considering the decline in EU pork exports in January, shipments in the first two months were relatively steady on 2017, increasing just 0.5% or by 1,800 tonnes. This also reflects the 22% year-on-year decline in exports to China recorded in January.

Offal exports

Offal exports increased 13% in February compared with the same month last year, totalling 113,000 tonnes. However, due to the lower average unit price, the growth in value was reduced to just 3% above year-earlier levels, at €138 million.

The main growth driver was a recovery in deliveries to China, which increased 18% (+9,500 tonnes) year-on-year. Strong growth in exports to the Philippines (+15% or 1,000 tonnes) and South Korea (+55% or 1,600 tonnes) also contributed to the increase.