UK exports of fresh and frozen pork during March were 3% lower than last on year but imports rose by a massive 47%.
The fall in export volumes to 19,100 tonnes highlights the lack of supply in both clean pigs and sows the UK has expereinced domestically since the start of the year.
However, export demand is thought to be relatively strong. Although China remained the largest export destination for British pork, the amount shipped in March fell by 6% year from last year. to 3,900 tonnes. Exports to the UK’s fifth largest destination, the Netherlands, fell by 10% on the year to 1,400 tonnes. But in March, the UK exported 7% more pork to both Ireland and Denmark and 6% more to Germany compared with the same period in 2016.
UK export volumes of offal, processed pork and sausages were all lower in March.