May 19, 2022

 

UK pork exports in March 23% up compared to February

 

 

UK pork exports (excluding offal) in March 2022 totalled 24,400 tonnes, 23% up compared to February but 3% lower year-on-year, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

 

The Q1 2022 pork export volume totalled 62,300 tonnes, 15% higher compared to Q1 last year because of exports lower than normal in January and February 2021 following Brexit.

 

March year-on-year export declines was mainly because of declining pork shipments to China. The UK exported 5,300 tonnes of 43% lower pork to China in March 2022 compared to last year. China is steadily recovering its swine herd after it was badly devastated by an African swine fever outbreak. China's zero COVID-19 policy is also hampering demand and affecting its ability to fulfil shipments because of imposed lockdowns.

 

UK pork offal exports reached 14,700 tonnes in March, 32% higher compared to February and 19% up year-on-year. 2022 Q1 total volume of exported offal totalled 34,200 tonnes, 11% higher compared to Q1 2021.

 

UK pork imports (excluding offal) totalled 71,500 tonnes in March 2022, 200 tonnes lower compared to February, and 20% higher year-on-year. The county's total pork imports in Q1 reached 224,000 tonnes, equal to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

 

Although the amount of imports is consistent, the product mix has changed. Prior to the COVID-19 epidemic and Brexit, bone-in products were imported in greater quantities than boneless meats, but this has changed in 2021 and 2022. With limited butchery capacity in the UK, it appears that we are relying on butchery from other countries to meet demand.

 

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

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