August 26, 2008

The UK has signed a pork export protocol with China, after Beijing lifted its foot-and-mouth related import ban of livestock and meat from the UK on August 7 this year.

This is a major step towards the UK beginning exports of pork to China. The signing of the protocol is the result of years of cooperation between the Chinese authorities, DEFRA, the British Pig Executive (BPEX), the Chinese Embassy in London, and the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

Deputy chief veterinary officer at DEFRA, Alick Simmons said the signing of the protocol will be a boost to UK exporters and they are looking forward to implement the protocol as soon as possible.

DEFRA, UKTI and BPEX is currently working with the Chinese authorities to progress the remaining Chinese requirements, which include inspection trips to the UK, approve UK processing plants and agreement for export health certification.

The main export item of interest is pork offal, which is highly valued in China, but for which UK companies have little or no market value. These products could fetch a value of GBP 17 million (US$31.4 million) per year if exported directly to China.

The UK never had an agreement with the Chinese authorities to export pork to China before.