UK pork trade continues trending upwards in October

Imports of pork to the UK totalled 67,700 tonnes in October. This is a 12% increase from September and up 8% compared to October last year. Fresh/frozen pork continues to hold the largest share of volume at 27,900 tonnes, however this is 5% lower than volumes seen for the category for the same month in 2021. Strong increases continue in the processed, sausage and bacon categories where volumes are up 44%, 23% and 11% respectively year on year.

This brings year to date (Jan-Oct) import volumes to 667,600 tonnes, 12% up on 2021. All product categories have seen year on year growth, although this is more subdued for fresh/frozen pork. To read more on why pork imports are increasing in 2022 see our article What’s behind the increase in UK pork imports?

UK pork exports totalled 28,400 tonnes in October, 2% down on volumes seen in September but an 11% increase compared to October last year. Shipments of offal overtook those of fresh/frozen as the largest product share in volume terms for the first time during the month, at 13,100 tonnes versus 12,300 tonnes.

Year on year, volume changes in product categories have been mixed. Strong growth has been seen in offal exports as well as bacon and processed categories, albeit from a lower base.  Meanwhile the fresh/frozen and sausage categories have recorded declines.

This brings year to date (Jan-Oct) UK export volumes to 312,700 tonnes, up 9% on 2021 and inline with volumes from 2019 (before the disruption from the pandemic and Brexit). Although all product categories have recorded year on year growth, when compared to 2019 we see a similar pattern as the monthly data; growth in offal and processed but declines in fresh/frozen, bacon and sausages.

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