Pork trade declines during January

Imports

Total pig meat imports for the UK reached just under 60,000t in January 2023, falling 2,100t (3.4%) from December 2022. The volume of pig meat imported has dropped 19,100t (24.1%) from January last year. Shipments from the Netherlands and Germany have seen substantial falls, down 51% (11,600t) and 44% (8,100t) from January 2022 levels, likely a result of lower production and therefore reduced supplies available. There has been growth in imports from Denmark, up 1,100t (8%), Ireland up 880t (19%), and Belgium, up 620t (32%).

Import volumes for all product categories fell between December and January, with the exception of fresh/frozen pork which recorded a marginal increase, up 1.6% (403t). However, year on year imported volumes of fresh/frozen pork fell by 23.4% (7,600t). Sausages was the only product category to record year on year growth in imports, up 2.9% (310t).

Exports

Total pig meat exports (excluding offal) were down 3,700t (-19.8%) in January compared to December, and fell 3,900 t (-20.7%) from shipments recorded in January last year. Exports to China fell just under 30% (1,900t) on the month, with similar percentage declines seen on exports to Ireland (-940t) and France (-530t). Year-on-year growth looks to have been stronger for EU countries, with shipments having increased between 240-400t to France, Germany, and Ireland. Meanwhile, volumes shipped to China have fallen 2,700t (37%) on the year.

All product categories recorded declines in export volumes between December and January. Volumes of fresh/frozen pork were down just over 3,000t on the month, with bacon, processed pigmeat, and sausages seeing smaller declines in volumes. Year on year, all product categories except fresh/frozen pork have recorded volume growth in exports.  The decline in fresh/frozen pork shipments (-4,600t) outweighed the growth in the other product categories.

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