December 11, 2024

 

China ends restrictions on unprocessed pork exports from processing plants in UK

 

 

In a major boost to UK pork producers, China has lifted restrictions on unprocessed pork exports from UK processing plants that were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Major UK producers have got the green light to restart their exports immediately, with industry experts estimating this could boost revenues by around £80 million (US$102 million).

 

China imported around £180 million worth of pork in 2023 alone, making it the United Kingdom's biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these restrictions lifted on major plants, including Cranswick's Watton facility, more British pork products will be heading east.

 

The development comes after top-level talks during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with the industry, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

 

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said:    "This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest markets, worth £180 million (US$229 million).

 

"It's a further example of this government delivering on our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country. Our pork is world-famous for its quality, and now we can give Chinese customers what they're hungry for."

 

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: "Economic growth is at the heart of everything this government does, and opening export opportunities is vital in achieving that. China is already a huge market for UK pork businesses who exported £180 million of products to China last year alone."

 

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jorge Martin-Almagro said: "The reopening of the China market for the affected companies is fantastic news. China is a crucial market for UK pork and this advance opens opportunities for our industry to continue to grow our exports. This achievement is a testament to the significant collaboration between Government and industry to resolve a longstanding issue."

 

Graham Wilkinson, AHDB's chief executive officer, said:"AHDB, working closely with (the) government and industry has played an integral part in this process, organising technical discussions by gathering evidence to support official engagements and highlighting the economic value to the UK pork meat industry."

 

Defra will continue to work closely with UK pork producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to China.

 

- Pig World