UK exports of fresh/frozen pork exports in May increased 15% year-on-year to 19,100 tonnes, the first month since the start of the year that an annual rise was recorded, latest data from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs showed.

The value of May's shipments also rose nearly 40% from last year to £26.6 million (US$34.9 million) due to increased average prices.

The overall increase was mainly attributed to a rise in volumes shipped to European markets, especially Denmark (+38% to 2,650 tonnes) and Germany (+18% to 2,780 tonnes).

On the other hand, exports to Poland declined to only 20 tonnes in May, likely partly driven by the fall in import demand as production has been increasing.

Exports to some third countries also contributed to the annual rise in May, AHDB Pork reported. While shipments to China remained relatively stable year-on-year, Hong Kong imported 44% (330 tonnes) more British pork. UK exports to South Korea more than trebled to over 270 tonnes.

Meanwhile, UK imports of fresh/frozen pork in May climbed by 17% year-on-year to 40,100 tonnes. As in April, but contrary to previous months, the increase was not primarily driven by Danish shipments. Imports from Denmark in May fell on the year by 6% to 12,600 tonnes. The main driving force behind the overall rise in May was a 45% rise in volume shipped from Germany.

Also, the UK imported more pork year-on-year from the Netherlands and Ireland. The 4% increase in bacon imports in May hides the one third reduction for Denmark, being more than offset by an increase of 46% for the Netherlands compared with a year earlier.