May 31, 2016

EU pork exports post strong growth in 1st quarter

EU exports of pig meat products increased by over 25% in the first quarter, compared with a year earlier, latest figures from the EU Commission showed.

Fresh/frozen pork exports to China more than doubled, while those to Hong Kong and the Philippines were both up by 33%. Japan and the United States both took around 20% more EU pork than in the same period last year. South Korea was the only major market that took significantly less product during the reviewed period.

Offal sales to the Asian markets were similarly strong. In addition, China bought substantially more pig fat in the first quarter which, along with growth to the Philippines, provided some relief to a part of the market that, according to AHDB Pork, has been struggling since the Russian ban.

Spanish exports up 50%

EU's major exporters experienced year-on-year growth in shipments to third countries (countries outside of the 28-member European bloc) during the first three months, with exports by Spain up by nearly 50%, Germany 31% and Denmark 7%. Among the EU's mid-ranking exporters, UK saw its exports to third countries rise by over 50%, the fastest growth of any member state.

The pork division of the UK Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board said the strength of export sales in early 2016 helped to provide some support to the EU pig market at a time when consumer demand for pork was subdued.