May 25, 2016

China also fuels strong Irish pork export growth in Q1

Irish pork exports in the first quarter grew 19% year-on-year to 44,600 tonnes, largely driven by increased shipments to China, AHDB Pork said, citing data from Central Statistics Office Ireland.

China remained as the second-largest market for Irish fresh and frozen pork, after the UK. During the first three months, Ireland exported 10,600 tonnes to China, up 77%, capitalising on both growing Chinese demand and the increasing Chinese pig price.

Earlier, it was reported that US pork exports in the first quarter rose by 5% to 372,000 tonnes, also largely driven by a hefty increase in pork shipments to China.

Irish pork exports to Denmark also grew significantly (141%), more than double those in the same period last year. "This product is probably intended for re-export, with China the most likely destination", said the pork division of the UK Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board.

Pork imports decreased slightly in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year. While shipments from the UK and Spain increased by 22% and 49%, respectively, decreases in imports from the Netherlands and Denmark subdued overall volumes.