June 8, 2012

EU pork exports to China increase for Q1

EU's pork exports to China have increased by 111% in the first quarter of 2012, compared to the same period last year, despite difficulties.

According to BPEX's latest Export Bulletin, EU exports rose 9% in total in the first quarter of 2012.

According to a recent report, the French poultry and pork industries appear to have been asleep since 2002 and have lost their competitive edge. The main factor obstructing development in these sectors is the environmental challenge.

In Germany, the market situation ranges from a surplus in pig supplies in some areas to shortage of pigs in other regions. Domestic pork trade has taken speed and particularly fillets and topsides are in high demand, resulting in regional shortages. It is expected that Russia might resume imports of German fat and bacon articles.

In Switzerland, pork consumption dropped 1.7% last year to 24.9 kilogrammes per person. Pork remains the main meat being consumed with close to 50% of total meat consumption. Swiss meat board, Proviande, has been successful in leading development of exports of premium processed pork products such as traditional salamis and dried meats.