The value of pork exported from the UK during September was up 16% on the year, reaching the value of £21.7 million, according to AHDB figures.
This increase occurred despite volume being down 9%, at 16.4 thousand tonnes. A 26% rise in average unit prices supported total export value, aided by the weak the pound which shielded most importing nations from the price rise; in euro terms the price was only up 7%, for example.
Significantly, shipments to China during September showed no growth on the same period in 2015 - the first month for a year with no expansion in Chinese shipments. The closely related Hong Kong market also showed a significant 37% decline in volume, while exports to Denmark and the Netherlands, likely for re-export, were back 20% and 22% respectively.
Increasing competition from Brazil and the US, coupled with the beginnings of recovery in Chinese pork production, are likely hindering further growth in this market. There was a 12% rise in UK pork exported to Germany during September. This likely reflects the increase in sow slaughterings seen during the month, alongside declining German production.
