UK pork imports drop sharply on weak pound

The UK imported a lot less pork this year mainly due to the weakness of the pound against the Euro.

Total pork imports during October were 24,400 tonnes, down 20% from a year ago and were the lowest monthly total for seven years. Total imports during January to October also declined by 12% on-year to 298,000 tonnes.

Imports from the Netherlands increased 18% to 41,000 tonnes while purchases of Danish pork dropped 36%. The decline of pork imports from Denmark is likely related to its increasing live export trade with large numbers going into Germany for slaughter.

Exchange rate fluctuations have not affected bacon trade in the same way as pork. Consumer demand for bacon has been relatively strong, especially in the first half of the year.

In the first 10 months of 2009, bacon imports totalled 247,000 tonnes, 3% higher than in 2008. Imports from the Netherlands dropped 12% to 94,000 tonnes but there was a 12% increase in supplies from Denmark at 106,000 tonnes.