Boost for UK pork exports to China

Pork exports to China have received a boost after a big push by producers, government officials and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Two more sites have received export approval after a delegation from the China Meat Association visited the UK last summer.

The visit included presentations to UK representatives at the AHDB Red Meat Export Conference in Butchers’ Hall, London.

Huge market

China remains the UK’s biggest export market for pork. The UK exported £180m of pig meat to China in 2023 and shipped £117m of product in the first three quarters of 2024.

AHDB pork sector director Angela Christison, said about half of the world’s pork was consumed in China. She added: “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.”

AHDB chief executive Graham Wilkinson said the export agreement was a further demonstration of a collaborative approach to international trade development could deliver tangible results to pig producers.

Big strides have been made into Asia the pork market this year. A similar deal in May saw a deal worth £12m  over five years to Vietnam.

Resilience

AHDB senior market access manager Ouafa Doxon said: “The mission to keep the relisting of suspended sites on the agenda was realised through consistent and persistent efforts.

“The relisting 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.”