Dutch exports of fresh and frozen pork increased by 6% to 913,400 tonnes in 2017 compared to 2016. This is the largest volume of exports in the trade record going back to 1997.
Dutch exporters were able to increase their trade with other EU markets in 2017, increasing deliveries by 17% compared to 2016. Shipments to the top export destination, Italy were up 7%. Italy recorded growth in the volume and value of its fresh pork market last year. Exports to other key European destinations, Germany, Greece and Poland were notably ahead in the same period, and volumes to the UK rose 11% on the year.
Dutch pig meat exports to non-EU countries fell in 2017. Exports fell 18% compared to the last year, with the EU market returning better value to exporters. Although China remained the main non-EU market for Dutch pork, its exports to that country decreased by 27%. Similarly, lower volumes were exported to South Korea and Japan, decreasing by 20% and 50%, respectively. In contrast, Dutch exporters were able to increase their trade with Hong Kong and Australia.
