October 3, 2022

 

UK pork exports up in July, close to pre-pandemic levels

 

 

The total amount of pork exported from the UK in July was 29,600 tonnes, a 5% (1,400 tonnes) increase from June and a 4% (1,100 tonnes) increase year-on-year, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported.

 

The volume for the first seven months of the year (January-July) increased, bringing the total to 223,000 tonnes, an increase of 9% (17,500 tonnes) from 2021 and nearly on par with exports for the same period in 2020.

 

Volumes shipped so far this year have increased across all major product categories year over year (January-July). With a 53% (117,700 tonnes) market share so far in 2022, fresh/frozen pork continues to be the largest product category for exports despite the slower growth (up 2%). Offal exports have increased by 11% year over year to a record-high 84,300 tonnes, boosting its market share to 38%. Bacon and processed pork export volumes have risen to pre-pandemic levels after declining in 2021 as a result of Brexit, while sausage export volumes have stabilised at 2020 levels.

 

Volumes shipped so far this year have increased across all major product categories year-on-year (January-July). With a 53% (117,700 tonnes) market share so far in 2022, fresh/frozen pork continues to be the largest product category for exports despite the slower growth (up 2%). Offal exports have increased by 11% year over year to a record-high 84,300 tonnes, boosting its market share to 38%. Bacon and processed pork export volumes have risen to pre-pandemic levels after declining in 2021 as a result of Brexit, while sausage export volumes have stabilised at 2020 levels.

 

As the number of swine in China has increased over the past few years, exports to China have decreased. Shipments to China were 10,100 tonnes in July, 12% (1,300 tonnes) less than in the same month a year prior and 45% less than in July 2020. (8,100 tonnes). Exports to China for the first half of the year have decreased 30% from their peak of 102,900 tonnes in 2020 to 71,900 tonnes for the same period in 2022.

 

The global market does, however, seem to be rebalancing. The EU has largely absorbed the lost trade from China, restoring its export share to pre-Brexit levels. The Philippines has also increased its exports to the UK from 2% in 2020 to 10% in 2022, demonstrating the potential significance of the Southeast Asian market for the UK's pork industry. The first shipments of pig meat were sent in August, opening up new markets in Chile.

 

UK pork imports reached 63,400 tonnes in July 2022, up 1% (400 tonnes) from June and 4% (2,200 tonnes) from July 2021. Pig meat imports to the UK for the first six months of the year (Jan.-Jul.) increased by 19% year over year to 479,400 tonnes, exceeding levels seen for the previous two years. The categories for bacon and sausage have seen the most growth.

 

According to the AHDB's most recent outlook, domestic production of pig meat will decline by 6% by the end of 2022, which will further restrict market supplies. It was anticipated that this would result in more imports being made to satisfy demand. However, given how poorly the pound is currently performing, imports may not be as high as anticipated. Due to the cost-of-living crisis being exacerbated by rising inflation rates and a weaker currency, demand may also be lower than the anticipated drop of 2%.

 

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

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