UK pork export volumes fell to their lowest level in nine years during the first quarter of 2024, HMRC figures show, as a result of lower domestic supplies, while imports declined to the second lowest figure ever recorded.Â
In March UK pig meat exports totalled 24,400 tonnes, down on both the previous month and a year ago, taking export volumes for the first quarter of 2024 to 75,500 tonnes, 4,000 tonnes, 5.1%, down year on year
The biggest decline came in shipments of fresh/frozen pork, which were down 10.8% year on year at 30,900 tonnes. Bacon shipments also recorded a decline year on year, down 700 tonnes to 2,700 tonnes.
However, sausages, processed pigmeat and offal all recorded year on year growth, albeit by considerably smaller volumes. Offal and processed pig meat reached their highest export volume on record during Q1 at 35,300 tonnes for offal and 4,400 tonnes for processed pig meat.
So far in 2024 there has been no change in the top four export destinations for UK product, despite volumes falling across the board, according to AHDB analyst Freya Shuttleworth.
The EU27 holds the largest market share at 42%, closely followed by China with 38%. The Philippines has recorded year on year growth in volumes, growing its market share to 8%. The US continues to hold a 2% market share, meanwhile South Africa has seen growth in shipment volumes and market share, overtaking South Korea.
Imports
UK pig meat imports in March stood at 60,700 tonnes, recording growth compared to February but down nearly 7,000 tonnes year on year.
This brought the total import volume for the first quarter of 2024 to 182,300 tonnes, a decline of 3,500 tonnes (1.9%) compared to 2023 and the lowest Q1 volume on record, excluding 2021 when Brexit had a severe impact on trade.
Bacon and Processed pig meat recorded the largest losses in volumes year on year in Q1 2024, down 2,700 tonnes (6.2%) and 1,800 tonnes (7.3%) respectively.
Fresh/frozen pork saw minor growth of just under 300 tonnes to 77,300 tonnes, while sausages recorded stronger growth, up just shy of 900 tonnes to reach the second largest volume recorded for the category at 35,300 tonnes.
Demand
Although overall pork retail volumes show decline year on year (2.1% in 12 weeks ending 14 April), there has been some product growth seen within categories, Ms Shuttleworth added.
Kantar data shows that within primary pork, total roasting, mince, belly, and ribs recorded growth, which may support some of the increased fresh/frozen imports, Ms Shuttleworth said. “However the main retailers continue to have strong support for British product with our most recent (Porkwatch) survey of facings showing 88% of pork facings in major retailers were of British origin,” she said.
“On the contrary, food service typically relies more heavily on imported product. The most recent Kantar data shows the in the 52 weeks ending 17 March, pork food service volumes are up 8.7% year on year with the strongest growth recorded in savoury pastries, with sausage rolls a key player within the category.”