United Kingdom – Increase in first quarter of 2011 pork exports

In the first quarter of 2011 exports of fresh and frozen pork totalled 34,000 tonnes, up seven per cent year on year. This was helped by a narrowing of the price difference between UK prices and those on the continent. However, exports to the UK’s main markets, including Germany, during the quarter were mostly lower. This was more than offset by increased volumes to other markets notably Hong Kong, France, Denmark and Belgium. Bacon exports during the first quarter were up 50 per cent to total over 8,000 tonnes. Offal exports were up 40 per cent to 7,400 tonnes mainly due to an 84 per cent increase in trade with Hong Kong.

In January-March 2011 imports of fresh and frozen pork were up one per cent on year earlier levels at 87,000 tonnes. Volumes sourced from Denmark were significantly higher, increasing by 37 per cent to 26,000 tonnes. However this increase was mostly entirely offset by reduced shipments from the Netherlands and Belgium. Bacon imports in the first quarter totalled 72,000 tonnes, 14 per cent lower on the year. The growth in live pig imports is slowing down being only up 10 per cent in the first quarter on a year earlier and amounted to 169,000 head.