Imports of pork to the UK were 12% up in the first 10 months of 2022, compared with the equivalent period in 2021.
Pork imports in October totalled 67,700 tonnes, up 12% on September and 8% compared on October 2021. 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. You read more from AHDB on why pork imports increased in 2022 HERE
Pork exports
UK pork exports totalled 28,400 tonnes in October, 2% down on September but 11% up on October 2021. 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.
UK exports for the first 10 months of 2022 totalled 312,700 tonnes, up 9% on 2021 and in line with volumes from 2019, prior to the disruption caused by the pandemic and Brexit.
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.
Although all product categories have recorded year on year growth, when compared to 2019, there is a similar pattern as the monthly data – growth in offal and processed but declines in fresh/frozen, bacon and sausages.