The UK pork industry is set to benefit from a surge in demand for its pork exports with the newly expanded Chinese market, following the resumption of trade with two British processing plants which had been suspended since the pandemic in 2020.
The relisting of Cranswick’s Watton plant and Scotland’s Brechin plant comes after collaboration between various stakeholders from across government, industry and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) occurred over several years.
This frequently included the coming together of the two nations to foster discussions, demonstrate the exceptionally high standards of the industry and highlight the sheer economic value of trade to China, which helped keep the issue alive.
AHDB also hosted a delegation from the China Meat Association (CMA) for a week in June, which included a presentation to industry and UK government officials at the AHDB Red Meat Export Conference in Butchers’ Hall, London.
China remains the UK’s biggest export market for pork, with the UK exporting £180 million worth of pig meat to China in 2023, on top of the £117 million worth of produce already shipped in the first three quarters of 2024.
AHDB Pork Sector director, Angela Christison said: “Today’s announcement is fantastic news. Around 50% of the world’s pork is consumed in China. 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.”
While AHDB CEO, Graham Wilkinson, 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.”
Pork exports
According to AHDB, UK pork exports (including offal) totaled 72,500t in the three months of July to September, which was an increase of 4.5% (3,100t) compared to the same time last year.
Higher domestic slaughter and pig meat production has been the main driver for larger export volume, with data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) showing that in Q3 2024, UK pig meat production was over 7% high year on year.
“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,” AHDB senior market access manager, Ouafa Doxon, said.
