Market report: Pork exports grow in first four months

UK pork exports in the first four months of this year were 22% higher than the same period last year, according to latest trade figures.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board report showed the value of fresh, chilled and frozen pork exports rose even further, by 25%, to more than £45m.

“With increased availability, exports in April alone increased by 42% compared with April 2009.” Exports to The Netherlands – primarily bellies and shoulder cuts – jumped from 960t last April, to more than 2500t this April, it added. “Although there have been increased volumes exported to the EU, there has been a 14% reduction in trade with non-EU countries.”

Imports of fresh, chilled and frozen pork fell by 12% over the same period, largely due to a 15,000t reduction in imports from Denmark. “During April alone, Denmark exported 26% less pork to the UK compared with the same month last year. As a result, imports from Denmark accounted for only 22% of all UK imports in April, compared with 24% in the same month in 2009.”

Despite a notable reduction in the volume of product delivered, there had only been an 8% reduction in the value of pork imported to the UK.