EU exports of fresh and frozen pork were up 31% in volume, to 218.000 tonnes, and 40% in value in May 2019, compared to the previous year.
The market was worth €548.9 million. Offal exports for May were up by 19% to 112,000 tonnes, with a 46% increase in value to €149.4m. This continues trends seen for most of the year so far.
Due to continuing effects of ASF, exports of fresh and frozen pork to China were up 88% in volume to 96,500 tonnes, accounting for 44% of EU exports. Value almost trebled, with average export prices increasing from €1.48/kg last May to €2.09/kg this year.
Offal exports to China were also up around 30% at 70,700 tonnes, with value almost doubling. The severity of the ASF situation means imports are unlikely to slow down, although recent Rabobank reports indicate that a lack of cold storage at China’s major ports is causing some logistical difficulties.
AHDB analyst Jennie Tanner said: “Increases in fresh and frozen exports to Japan (+18%), Australia (+40%) and South Korea (+15%) were also seen in May but exports to the US were down 36% (-4,200 tonnes). Exports to Japan have perhaps been supported by the trade agreement allowing lower tariffs on some pork products from April 2019.
‘Exports to the Philippines for May were down 20% (-1,800 tonnes), and there was a similar drop in offal shipments. Some product has perhaps been diverted from the Philippines to the Chinese market, where it can now fetch a better price.”
