United Kingdom – Increase in imports of fresh and frozen pork

In the first two months of 2011 imports of fresh and frozen pork into the UK totalled 56,000
tonnes, representing an increase of four per cent on year earlier figures. The majority of product
came from Denmark which recorded a 40 per cent increase in shipments. Imports from the
Netherlands recorded an 11 per cent decline.

The volume of bacon imported into the UK during January and February declined 18 per cent to
total 45,000 tonnes. This decline was driven by a 22 fall in shipments from Denmark, given the
considerable increase in pork imports from Denmark it is likely that there has been an increase
in the production of bacon in the UK using Danish pork.

Imports of live pigs in the first two months of 2011 were up 12 per cent at 104,000 head, almost
all of these pigs came from Ireland with a limited number coming from Denmark.
Exports of fresh and frozen pork from the UK were up over one per cent, totalling 21,000
tonnes. There was an increase in trade with non EU member states as exports to EU-27
countries declined four per cent. Germany remained the main destination for UK pork, however
volumes were down 28 per cent as the dioxin crisis led to over supply in Germany and lower
demand for UK product. Exports of bacon were up by half over the period to total 5,000 tonnes. The Irish, Danish and Netherlands markets all recorded considerably increased volumes being shipped to them. Offal exports were up 29 per cent as volumes being shipped to both Hong Kong and the Netherlands increased considerably.