UK’s pork exports rise by 5.2% year on year in first half of 2025

UK – UK pig meat exports are increasing, reaching 156,400 tonnes in the first six months of 2025, a 5.2 percent or 7,700-tonne rise compared to the same period last year.

The increase is also 3.0 percent higher than the volumes shipped in 2023, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Growth this year is mainly attributed to stronger sales of offal, which rose by 6.5 percent year on year, and fresh or frozen pork, which expanded by 5.0 percent, while sausages recorded a smaller gain of 400 tonnes.

Bacon exports, on the other hand, fell by 300 tonnes compared to 2024, and processed pig meat shipments remained unchanged from last year.

Offal exports are currently at record levels, reaching 74,700 tonnes in January to June 2025, and now account for almost half of the UK’s total pig meat trade.

China is the largest market for this category, purchasing 62 percent of the UK’s offal, while the EU27 takes 20 percent, the Philippines 9 percent, and the Dominican Republic 2 percent.

The increase in Chinese purchases is linked to stronger demand as well as ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States, which have created openings for other suppliers.

Shipments of fresh and frozen pork have also staged a recovery after two years of decline, reaching 65,000 tonnes, although volumes are still below earlier peaks.

The EU remains the leading market for this product, taking in 30,000 tonnes so far this year, with Germany, Ireland, and France among the largest destinations.

China has also become an important buyer, importing 23,600 tonnes, with additional demand coming from the Philippines, while sales to the United States have slipped, partly due to tariff changes.

The Chinese government has announced preliminary anti-dumping duties of between 15.6 and 62.4 percent on EU pork starting September 10, which is expected to reduce shipments from EU exporters and could present further opportunities for the UK.

Imports falling despite stronger demand

UK pig meat imports fell to 370,900 tonnes in the first half of 2025, a drop of 4.4 percent or 17,200 tonnes compared to the same period in 2024, marking the lowest level since 2021.

Volumes were affected by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Europe at the start of the year, and unlike in 2021, trade did not recover in the second quarter.

Fresh and frozen pork imports fell by 7,600 tonnes while sausages declined by 3,800 tonnes, with Germany accounting for much of the decrease, as its exports to the UK dropped 39 percent year on year.

Imports from Denmark also edged down by 2 percent, all in bacon, although supplies increased from Belgium, Spain, and Ireland, with gains of 5,700, 5,100, and 2,000 tonnes respectively.

Analysts note that the narrowing price gap between UK and EU reference markets made EU supplies less competitive in the first half of the year, while British supermarkets have also continued to favour local products on retail shelves.

Even so, if EU pork faces restrictions in China due to new duties, excess volumes may move into other markets including the UK, potentially pushing down prices despite differences in product preferences.

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