In a major boost to UK pork producers, China has lifted restrictions on unprocessed pork exports from UK processing plants, ending four years of frustration for the industry.
China suspended export licences from various UK pork plants during the Covid epidemic in 2020. While some sites did see their licences resumed, the ongoing suspension of others, including Cranswick’s Watton plant and Scotland’s Brechin plant, has hampered the UK’s shipments to China ever since.
The refusal to lift the suspension long after the end of the Covid problem, to the great frustration of many within the UK pork sector, appeared to be as much as about politics as food safety.
UK producers have now got the green light to restart their exports immediately, with industry experts estimating this could boost revenues by around £80 million.
The development comes after top-level talks during Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with industry, AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).
Although China’s hunger for pigmeat imports has diminished in recent years as its pig herd has recovered following its African swine fever outbreak, it imported around £180m worth of UK pigmeat in 2023 and £117m worth of product in the first three quarters of 2024, making it the UK’s pigmeat export market.
The latest pigmeat trade figures from HMRC show, over the first nine months of 2024, UK shipments of fresh and frozen shipments to China were down by 11.5% year on year to 46,000t, while offal shipments were 14.4% up to 57,000t.
Massive win
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said: “This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest markets, worth £180 million.
“It’s a further example of this government delivering on our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country. Our pork is world-famous for its quality, and now we can give Chinese customers what they’re hungry for.”
Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: “Economic growth is at the heart of everything this government does, and opening export opportunities is vital in achieving that.
“China is already a huge market for UK pork businesses who exported £180 million of products to China last year alone. Today’s announcement will be welcome news for British farmers and producers who have been affected by the suspension and could grow British pork exports even further.”
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: “The reopening of the China market for the affected companies is fantastic news.
“China is a crucial market for UK pork and this advance opens opportunities for our industry to continue to grow our exports. This achievement is a testament to the significant collaboration between Government and industry to resolve a longstanding issue.”
Relentless effort
AHDB said the re-listing followed a ‘relentless effort over several years’, which included frequently bringing the right parties together in the two nations to support discussions, demonstrate the exceptionally high standards of the industry and the sheer economic value of trade to China.
In June AHDB also hosted a delegation from the China Meat Association (CMA) for a week, which included them presenting to industry and UK Government officials at the AHDB Red Meat Export Conference in Butchers’ Hall, London.
Angela Christison, AHDB pork sector director, described the announcement as ‘fantastic news’.
“Around 50% of the world’s pork is consumed in China,” she said. “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of this market with its growing demand. The potential for our high-quality pork is immense and we look forward to continuing working with government and industry to maximise the opportunities. Going into 2025 this will be a welcome boost for the UK pork sector, and we look forward to achieving further success.”
Graham Wilkinson, AHDB CEO, said “We are delighted to end 2024 with such a positive outcome. It is a further demonstration of how our collaborative approach to international trade development can deliver tangible results for our levy payers.”
Ouafa Doxon, AHDB Senior Market Access Manager, said: “The mission to keep the re-listing of suspended sites on the agenda was realised through consistent and persistent efforts. The re-listing of these sites demonstrates the resilience of the UK pork industry and the strength of relationships between AHDB and others. It is a compelling example of how critical market access work often unfolds behind the scenes.”
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “This is a big boost to UK pork sector. It has taken a long time to get back to this position, with a lot of frustration along the way. There has been a lot of work going on behind scenes to keep this close to the top of the agenda and to finally get the licences reinstated.
“Even though it is importing less pigmeat than it was a few years ago, China remains a valuable market for the UK pork sector.”
Defra said it will continue to work closely with UK pork producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to China.