Imports of pigmeat into the UK were lower than a year earlier in November 2014, despite EU prices staying well below those in the UK, according to BPEX.
“Fresh and frozen pork shipments were down 5% year on year, at 31,400 tonnes, their lowest level in November for six years,” said BPEX, noting that the decline was mainly due to reduced volumes from Germany and the Netherlands.
“Bacon and ham imports also declined, with 10% less entering the UK in November than a year earlier, despite prices also being down by around 15%.”
The only recorded increase was for sausage imports, which rose slightly, albeit compared with an “unusually low” import figure in November 2013, with volumes being 11% down on two years before. Â Imports of processed products, such as cooked hams, were virtually unchanged from last year.
November 2014 also saw a decline in UK pork exports, however, with volumes down 16% down on the same month in 2013.
“This was largely due to some temporary disruptions which were quickly resolved,” said BPEX, adding that trade returned to normal by the end of the month.Â